M A R K M A S O N E Y .

WE had intended to have reviewed the correspondence relative to theposition of the London Bon Accord Lodge of Mark Masons, hut we arespared the necessity of doing so by the energetic measures of the SupremeGrand Chapter of Scotland, calling upon the Aberdeen Chapter at once towithdraw the Charter to the London Lodge, under pain of ulterior pro-ceedings, as will be seen by the official resolution of the Grand Chapter,which we publish in another page of the " Mirror." This is as it should be,aud we trust tlie Grand Lodge and Chapter of England will assist that ofScotland in endeavouring to put down, within their jurisdiction , the illegalpractice of Masonry, no matter under what denomination. We cannothelp observing, as regards Comp. Kettie, whose letter we also publish,that lie lias evidently fallen into the strange blunder of confounding twovery different things. Unquestionably, the power to confer the MarkDegree is vested in Chap ters only, as he observes ; but that is a totallydifferent thing from a power to grant warrants to confer the Mark Degree.Should such an interpretation be allowed to be put upon the law of theGrand Chapter of Scotland, it would lead to endless confusion, for CraftLodges both in England and Scotland might put a similar constructionupon their laws, and take upon themselves to grant subsidiary charters tobrethren , to give the first or second Degree and not the third to can-didates—a state of things which we have no hesitation in saying wouldbe met by the immediate withdrawal of the Charter of the Lodge soillegally and improperly acting. It is true that the Supreme Chapter ofScotland has the poiver of granting charters for the Mark Degree apartfrom the Arch, and did at one time exercise that power, but experienceproved its inexpediency, and the system was abandoned ; none butregularly constituted Loyal Arch Chapters haying now authority to conferthe Degree—an authority which, as is shown by the decree of theSupreme Grand Chap ter of Scotland, cannot be delegated to others .

Comp. Eettie accuses us of partiality in endeavouring to run down theLondon Mark Masons Lodge. We have shown no feeling on the subjectbeyond a conscientious desire, as Masons, to do our duty, and prevent

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the introduction amongst us of illegal and unauthorised assemblages,through which some of the brethren may be withdrawn from their allegi-ance to constituted authority.

We have no objection to the introduction of Mark Masonry in Englandif it can be naturalised in a legal and constitutional maimer, and in ournext number we shall devote our attention to the consideration of howthis object may be best effected.. ." In the meantime, we trust that the Aberdeen Chapter, and the LondonLodge, will cheerfully acquiesce in the decision of the Supreme GrandChapter of Scotland , and no longer persist in the carrying on a Lodo-ewhich the highest constituted authority has declared to be illegal, andopposed to the principles upon which the Order is governed.

THE GIRLS' SCHOOL.

WE have not been disappointed in our efforts to make known thisadmirable Institution. Each number of our " Mirror " has brought a cor-respondence which we hope, ere long, to publish , and to announce thepromised aid to which they refer. This article may be seen by many whosesignatures are as yet anonymous. They will perceive that it is our inten-tion of acting "up to our former promise, viz. -. of giving in each numberof the " Mirror," a statement of occurences connected with the School , andplacing before our readers, the facts as they stand. We have been among themany who have been surprised at the apparent ignorance which has pre-vailed amongst the Brethren, with reference to this establishment. Andwe believe none have felt the necessity of appealing to the Craft , on behalfof the Charity more than ourselves. It is by such reiterated notices asthe present that we hope to place this useful School beyond a depen-dence on a precarious income ; two-thirds of which is sought for at anAnnual Festival ; and of doing in the sp irit of Brotherly Love, relief, andtruth, a lasting benefit to the Craft in general. As we have before statedthis school was founded by the Chevalier Ruspini, in 1777 , for the educa-tion and succour of a number of orphan children of Freemasons. It thenadmitted to its benefits but a small number. It, however, gradually pro-gressed , until the number amounted to G 5. Here it has remained for a periodof nearly a quarter of a century • and although Masonry has been yearlyincreasing, this useful Institution has remained in sUtiu quo. Can it besaid that we have no applicants beyond this number, and that we have noneed for a increase of room ; that Masonry, in point of fact, is all couleurde rose , and that no need of aid exists in the Craft ? We .op ine not , andfrom our knowledge, both in the Metrop olis and the Provinces, wc areaware that there are many who would anxiously apply for the assistance ofthis Institution, could they he certain, of their children being admitted.\Now that we are in possession of the present useful and magnificentbuilding, capable of accommodating 100 or more children , wh y shouldsteps not be taken to allow the number of those receiving its benefits , tobe increased beyond 65, should there be candidates ? It must ther efore

appear obvious, that we are guided in writing these articles, more by adesire to enlarge our sphere of usefulness as Masons, than to allow theCraft to be considered , as it has to a great, extent hitherto been , a mereclub. Can we close our eyes or shut our ears to the fact, that membersof the founder's family, became recipients of the benefits of such an asylum ;and do we not know that each year presents us with the painful circum-staue of a child or children being admitted, whose parents had at one timebeen in the enjoyment of the greatest prosperity. At once, then, let usjoin with heart and hand, to erase this blot on the escutcheon of the Craft.Make room for the largest number, and show that we have advanced withthe age, and in our gratitude to the founder, that we have increased theusefulness of the Institution which owes its existence to his benefaction.Having said thus much, let us set about provid ing additional funds ; thishas been observed upon before—let every Lodge be appealed to for a sub-scription ; and when they are so provided , let us be careful that everyeconomy has been observed, as to the expenditure. We ave sanguine thatmuch may be done, by such a general appeal to every Lod ge in the king-dom. How many of the Brethren are there, who have never heard of theschool ; and how many are there even in the Metropolis, who if they haveheard of it, have never taken tlie trouble to visit the school-house atWandsworth ? They might there see with how much solicitude, theirchildren are provided , their health cared for, and their mind cultivated.

Whilst on tlie subject of the School, we may be allowed to congratulatethe Brethren that our efforts through the "Mirror," and prior to theestablishment of that organ of tlie Craft, through the columns of a weeklynewspaper giving notices of. the proceedings of the Craft , in endeavouringto obtain a removal from the arms of the children, the disgraceful badgewhich pointed them out as the recipients of charity, have not been unat-tended with success ;—the House Committee having determined that theuse of the bad ge and the old fashioned " bib-apron ," ave no longer to beworn. At least, then, our pen has done something towards producing onereform, and it will be hard, indeed , if it does not yet effect much more forthe benefi t of the Charities and of Masonry generally.

FREEMASONRY IN ENGLAND,Continued from pa ge 360.

THE old building of St. Paul's was perhaps an appropriate type of manyinstitutions by ivhich it was surrounded ; venerable for the ages theybad existed and for their usefulness when society was in a more primitivestate, but now rapidly passing away, to make room for others more suitedto the general improved intelligence of the times ; like them, entirelyuseless for modern requirements, but , owing to national aversion to changeand attachment to old customs, equally difficult to clear away. Thecloseness with which it was surrounded by inhabitants, some of whomhad perhaps been the cause of its previous ruinous condition , rendered ita work of great difficulty and danger. The labourers, after working a

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considerable time at the top of the tower, found it at last so dangerous,that they refused to work any longer. Br. Wren had then recourse to theuse of gunpowder, which, under his able superintendence , answered everypurpose required, with little danger or annoyance to the surrounding in-habitants ; but, leaving it to the care of a subordinate, the second explosionhad like to have resulted seriously. The charge of powder being toogreat , a large stone was shot as from a cannon through an open window,into a room where a number of women were at work, causing much con-sternation amongst them and the surrounding neighbourhood. A petitionwas in consequence sent to the Council, praying that such dangerous meansbe no longer adopted. Br. Wren had, therefore, to recur to the ancientcontrivance, called the battering ram, namely a huge pole, headed withiron, slung by a long chain and propelled by a large number of men, withropes. This engine appeared to produce but little effect on the first day,hut on the second the tower was observed to shake, and at last fell witha tremendous crash amid clouds of dust. In clearing away the foundation,the north side was found to have been an ancient burying-place, and underthe graves of later ages were found , in a row, the graves of the Saxons,who cased their dead in chalk stones, though persons of great eminencewere buried in stone coffins. Below these were the graves of the ancientBritons, proved by the great number of ivory and wooden pins foundamongst the mouldered dust. It being their custom to pin the corpse inwoollen shouds aud lay it in the ground, and this covering consumingwith the bodies they were intended to protect , the ivory and wooden pinsonly remained entire.

At a still greater depth were discovered a great number of Eomanpotsherds, urns, and dishes, sound and of a beautiful red, like our sealing-wax. On the bottom of some of these were inscriptions denoting drinkingvessels ; others, which resembled our modern salad dishes, beautifully madeand curiously wrought , bore different inscriptions, such as DZ . PIUIIANI.On others, PATKICI QUINTIMANI . VICTOK, LANUS . KECINIO , &C. Thepots and several glass vessels were of a murrey colour ; and others, resem-bling urns, were beautifully embellished on the outside with raised work,representing greyhounds, stags, hares, and rose trees. Others were of acinnamon colour, in the form of an urn, which appeared to have been gilt ,though very much faded. Some resembling jugs, were of an hexagonalform, curiously indented and adorned with a variety of figures in bassorelievo.

The red vessels appeared to have been the most honourable, for onthem were inscribed the names of their deities, heroes, and jud ges, audthe material was so excellent as to resemble polished metal in beauty.There were also a number of brass coins, very much decayed ; some,however, where the soil appeared to be more favourable, were so wellpreserved as to show in whose reign they were coined. On one of themwas Adrian's head, with a galley under oars on the reverse ; on the othersthe heads of Romulus and Remus, Claudius and Constantine.

At a somewhat smaller depth were a number of lapilli or tessehe ofvarious sorts of marble, Egyptian porphyry, j asper, &c, in the form of

dice, which were used by the Romans in paving the prcetorium, or general stent.

On searching for the natural groun d, Br. Wren found that the founda-tion of the old church stood on a layer of very close and hard pot earth,about six feet deep on the north side, but gradually thinning towards thesouth side, till on the declivity of the hill it was hardly four feet . This,he concluded, having borne so weighty a building before, might be trustedagain . But boring beneath this he found a stratum of loose sand, andlower than this, level with low-water mark, water and sand , mixed withperiwinkles and other sea shells ; under this a hard beach, and below alla natural bed of clay, which extended far and wide beneath the city, country,and river.

The foundations appeared to have been composed of Kentish rubblestone, well compounded ivith an exceeding hard cement, after the Romanmanner, and much superior to the cement used in the superstructure.He was induced , however, to change the site of the church and raze thefoundations , ivhich appeared so secure, from a desire to give the newstructure more freedom and elegance ; finding himself after all much con-fined for space and unable to bring the front to lie exactly from Ludgate.In his progress he met with an interrup tion , which almost made him regretthe alteration he had made. He began the foundation from the west tothe east, and then extending his line to the north-east, where he expectedno interrup tion, he came upon a pit, where the hard crust of pot earth hadbeen removed and filled up with rubbish. Although he wanted but sevenfeet to complete his design, he was under the necessity of digging throughthe sand and building from the solid earth , which was upwards of fortyfeet deep. He therefore sank a pit, eighteen feet wide, through all thebefore-mentioned strata , and laid the foundations of a square pier in solidmasonry, which was carried up to within fifteen feet of the present surface,and then a short arch was turned underground to the level of the stratumof hard pot earth , upon which arch the north-east corner of the choir nowstands.

Having surmounted this difficult y and laid the foundations , the D.G.M.,for many reasons, made choice of Portland stone for the superstructure ,but chiefly because the largest scantlings were to be procured there ; andas these could not be depended upon for columns of more than four feetdiameter, he determined on adopting two orders instead of one, and anattic story, as at St. Peter's, at Rome, in order to preserve the just propor-tions of his cornice, otherwise the edifice must have fallen short of itsintended height. Bramante, in building St, Peter 's, at Rome, thoughpossessing all the advantages of the quarries at Tivoli at hand , was obligedto curtail the proper proportions of his cornice for want of stones of suffi-cient size. Against this difficulty the D.G.M. was resolved to guard ;and by the aid of his great science and foresight , bestowed upon him bythe Great Architect of all good works, erected the present structure, thefirst stone of which was laid on the 21st of June, 1675.. The general form of St. Paul's Cathedral is a long cross. The walls arewrought in rustic, aud strengthened as well as adorned with two rows of

coupled pilasters, one over the other, the lower corinthian and the uppercomposite. The spaces between the arches of the windows and the archi-trave of the lower order are filled with a curious variety of enrichments, asare those above.

At the west front is a most magnificen t portico, a noble pediment ontwo stately turrets, and when proceeding towards the church from Ludgate,the elegant construction of this front, the fine turrets over each corner, andthe east dome behind, fill the mind with pleasure and ast onishment.

At this end is a noble fli ght of steps of black marble extending thewhole length of the portico, which consists of twelve lofty corinthiancolumns below, and eight composit e columns above, these are all coupledand fluted. The upper series supports a noble pediment, crowned with itsacroteria. In this pedim ent is a very elegant representation in has reliefof the conversion of St. Paul, by Br. Bird, who by this work alone, hasimmortalized his name. The conception and execution are most effective,the irradiation of light is admirably deputed, and the figures excellentlyexecuted.' The magnificent figure of St. Paul on the apex of the pediment, withSt. Peter on Ms right, and St. James on his left , have a fine effect. Thefour Evangelists with their proper emblems on the front of the towers, arewell disposed and executed ; St. Matthew is distinguished by an angel ;St. Mark by a lion; St. Luke by an ox; and St. John by an eagle.

In the north portico is an ascent by twelve steps of black marble,the dome of which is supported by six large corinthian columns, forty-eight inches in diameter. Upon the top of the dome is a large and wellproportioned urn ornamented with festoons ; over this is a pediment sup-ported by pilasters in the wall, in the face of ivhich is the Royal Arms,with the regalia supported by angels • in addition to which are the statuesOf the five Apostles, placed on the top at proper distances.

The south portico answers to the north, and is placed directly oppositeto it, this resembles that on the other side of the Church, but as theground is considerably lower on this side, the ascent is by a flight oftwenty-five steps. This portico has also a pediment above, in which is aphoenix rising out of the flames, with the motto RESUUGAM underneathit, is an emblem of the rebuilding the Church after the fire. This devicewas adopted by the D.G.W. in consequence of a labourer accidentlybringing a stone which was to be placed as a land mark for the masons,which proved to be a grave stone, on which stone only remained the word'Besurgam, ivhich was considered a favourable omen for the successfultermination of the work. On this side of the building are likewise fivestatues which take their situation from that of St. Andrew, on the apex ofthe last mentioned pediment.

At the east end of tlie Church is a circular projection for the altar,,finely ornamented with the orders and decorated sculpture.

The dome, which rises iu the centre of the whole, is extremely grand.Twenty feet above the roof of the Church is a circular range of thirty-twocolumns, with niches placed exactly, others within . These are terminatedby their entablature supporting a handsome gallery adorned with a

ballustrade. Above these columns is a range of pilasters with windowsbetween, and from the entablature of these, the diameter decreases con-siderably, and two feet above that it is again contracted. Erom this partthe extreme sweep of the dome begins, and the arches meet at fifty-twofeet above. On the summit of the dome is an elegant balcony, and fromits centre rises the lantern adorned with Corinthian columns, and the wholeis terminated by a ball from which rises a cross, both elegantly gilt.

This noble structure, which is two thousand two hundred and ninety-two feet in circumference, and three hundred ancl forty-two feet in heightto the top of the cross, is surrounded at a proper distance by a dwarf stonewall, on ivhich is placed a magnificent ballustrade of cast iron, about fivefeet six inches in height, exclusive of the wall. In this inelosure are sevenbeautiful iron gates, ivhich together with the banisters, in number abouttwo thousand five hundred, weigh two hundred tons and eighty-onepounds. The cost of these gates was 20U. Os. 6«.

In the- area of the grand west fron t on a pedestal stands a statue ofQueen Anne, formed of white marble. The figures on the base representBritannia , Gallia, Hibernia, and America. This and the other colossalstatues with ivhich the building is adorned, reflect great credit on the skillof Br. Hill, who was chiefly employed iu the decorations.

On the summit of the steps at the west end, are three doors ornamentedat the top with has relief ; the middle door, which is by far the largest, iscased with white marble, and over it a fine piece of basso relievo, in whichSt. - Paul is represented preaching to the Berenians. On entering thisdoor the mind is struck with the nobleness of the vesta, an arcade sup-ported hy lofty and massive pillars on each hand, divide the church into thebody and two aisles, and the view is terminated by the altar at the ex-tremity of the choir. The pillars are adorned with columns and pilastersof the corinthian and composite orders, and the arches of the roof are en-riched with shields, festoons, chaplets, and other ornaments.

In one aisle is the consistory, and opposite to it in the other is themorning-prayer chapel, each of these has a beautiful screen of carvedwainscot, which is adorned with twelve column arched pediments.

Further onward is the large cross aisle, between the north and southporticos, over ivhich is the grand cupola or dome. Here is a fine viewof the whispering gallery, and the concave of the dome, which fills themind with surprise and pleasure. Under its centre is fixed in the floor abrass plate, round which the pavement is beautifully variegated, but thefigures into which it is formed, can no where be seen to so much, advan-tage as from the whispering gallery.

Erom this aisle is a full view of the organ, richly ornamenteJ with:carved work, with the entrance to the choir directly under it. The .two'aisles on the sides of the choir, as well as the choir itself are inclosed byvery fine iron rails and gates.

The organ gallery is supported by eight corinthian columns of blue and¦white marble, and the choir has on each side thirty stalls beside^ thebishop's throne on the south side, and the lord mayor's on the north'/The carving of the stalls as well as the organ, are much admired.

The reader s desk, which is at some distance from the pulpit, is in anenclosure of brass rails, gilt. In this is a gilt brass pillar, supporting aneagle of brass, gilt, which holds the book on his back and expanded wings.. The altar piece is adorned by four noble fluted pilasters, painted andveined with gold in imitation of lap is lazuli, and their capitals are doublegilt. In the intercoluminations are nine marble pannels. The table iscovered with crimson figured velvet, and above are six windows in twoseries.

The floor of the choir and the whole of the church is paved with marble,except that part within the altar, which is o! porphory polished, and laidin several geometrial figures.

And referring to the general geometrical arrangement, we may observe,that as the disposition of the vaultings within is an essential beauty,without which many other ornaments would lose their effect, so ourDeputy Gvand Master was particularly careful in this respect. "The•Romans," says the author of the Parentalia , "used heinisphirical vaultings ;and Sir Christopher chose those as being demonstrably lighter than thediagonal cross vaults, so the whole vault of St. Paul's consists of twenty-four cupolas cut semicircular, with segments to join to the great archesone way, and which are cut across the other with cliptical cylinders tolet in the upper lights of the nave ; but in the aisles the lesser cupolas areboth ways cut in semicircular sections, and altogether make a gracefulgeometrical form distinguished with circular wreath s, which is thehorizontal section of the cupola, for the hemisphere may be cut in allmanner of ways into circular sections ; and the arches and wreaths beingof stone carved, and the spandrels between them of sound brick, investedwith stucco of cockle-shell lime, which becomes as hard as Portland stone,and which having large planes between the stone ribs, are capable of thefurther adornments of painting if required.

" Besides these twenty-four cupolas, there is a half cupola at the east,and the great cupola of one hundred and eight feet in diameter at themiddle of the crossing of the great aisles. In this the architect imitatedthe Pantheon at Rome, excepting that the upper order is there onlyumbratile, and distinguished by different-coloured marbles ; in St. Paul'sit is extant out of the wall. The Pantheon is no higher within than itsdiameter ; St. Peter's is two diameters ; this shows too high, the other toolow. St. Paul's is a mean proportion between both, which shews itsconcave every way, and is very lightsome by the windows of the upperorder, which strike down light through .the great colonade that encirclesthe dome without, and serves for the abutment of the dome, which isbrick, of two bricks thick ; but as it rises every way five feet high, has acourse of excellent brick of eighteen inches long banding through thewhole thickness ; and moreover to make it still more secure, it issurrounded with a vast chain of iron, strongly linked together at everyten feet. This chain is let into a channel cut into the band age ofPortland stone, and defended f rom the weather by filling the groove-with lead.

" The concave was turned upon a centre, ivhich was judged necessary

to keep the work even and true, though a cupola might be built withouta centre; but it is observable that the centre was laid without anystandards from below to support it; and as it was both centering andscaffolding, it remained for the use of the painters. Every story of thisscaffolding being circular, and the ends of all the ledges uniting at somany rings, truly wrought, supported itself. , This machine was anoriginal of its kind, and will be an useful proj ect for the like work to anarchitect hereafter.

" It was necessary to give a greater height outside than the cupola wouldgracefully allow within, though it is considerably above the roof of thechurch ; yet the old church having before had a very lofty spire of timberand lead, the world expected that the new work would not in this respectfall short of the old, The architect was therefore obliged to comply withthe humour of the age, and to raise another structure over the firstcupola; and this was a cone of brick, so built as to support a stonelantern of an elegant figure, and ending in ornaments of copper, gilt.

" As the whole church above the vaulting is covered with a substantialoaken roof and lead , the most durable covering in our climate, so hecovered and hid out of sight the brick cone with another cupola of timberand lead; and between this and the cone are easy stairs that ascend tothe lantern. Here the spectator may have a view of such amazing con-trivances as are indeed astonishing : he forebore to make little luthernwindows in the leaden cupola, as are done out of St. Peter's, because hehad otherwise provided for light enough to the stairs from the lanternabove, and round the pedestal of the same, ivhich are now seen below,so that he only ribbed the outer cupola, which he thought less gothicthan to stick it full of such little lights in three stories one above anotheras in the cupola of St. Peter's, which could not without difficulty bemended, and if neglected would soon damage the timbers."

Such is a brief description of the present structure of St. Paul s,though, as it has been before stated , Br. Wren much preferred hisoriginal design , which was more compact and simple, and suited to theuses of the reformed Church. The alterations were suggested by theDuke of York, afterwards James II., in order to adapt it to the Romanworship, the revival of which he already contemplated, and Br. Wren wascompelled to add oratories and long aisles, ivhich James wished to fillwith processions, whilst he occupied the recesses with altars. Although ourD.G.M. Wren is said to have remonstrated with tears, yet it may bedoubted whether he used a sound discretion in his preference for the olddesign,.as the very circumstance of the building departing from the exactlaws of symm etry in the adoption of the two orders and other detailsincreases its apparent size and grandeur of effect , whilst it has hardly beendisputed that the exterior architecture of St. Paul's is both better incomposition and sounder in style than its more magni5.cent rival at Rome.

(To lie continued.

MASONIC REMINISCENCES.BY f t toro fiXo g , P.M., L, 50, Dublin.

(Continuedfrom p. 365.)

CHAPTER IV.—THE BA.N (J"U"ETTIN G HALL—A GLANCE AT A PEWOF THE EMINENT BROTHERS PRESENT .

THE labour of love having ended, and the Lodge closed in the usualbeautiful form, we shall, introduce our readers to the banc-netting hall, foreven Masons are dinner-eating animals.

We will not trouble our readers with a gastronomi c description of all the" delicacies of the season," with which the hospitable board was spread,but shall content ourselves with stating that erery thing was sufficientlypiquant and recherche to gratify the palate of Nasidenus or Sir P—r L—ie,and that neither the Roman epicure, nor the respected civic functionarycould reasonably have any thing to wish for beyond the good thingsusually supplied on such occasions under the auspices of the , JuniorWarden.

The duties of chairman were most ably discharged by the W.M.P.M.,Br. Colonel B., an old peninsular officer, the leader of several forlornhopes, and the most energetic singer of the "Bri tish Grenadiers," weever heard. Near him was another gallant Colonel, brother of the highestofficial personage then iu Ireland, and now holding an important office inthe court of her most gracious Majesty the Queen, General W. and seve-ral other naval and military officers of distinction, took a deep and activeinterest in the proceedings, the author of the " Hunchback " the accom-plished and successful dramatist Sir. S—n K—s, and several otherliterary celebrities were present, whilst the elite of the musical world inthat land of song, shed th eir sweet and thrilling influence over the scene.But conspicuous amongst all shone out Br. B—Id—n glittering all over" like some bright particular star," with the jewels of well-nigh everyOrder in the Masonic ladder. One would almost suppose him gifted withthe power of ubiquity, he seemed to be everywhere at once, ministeringto the wants and comforts of all,

" A man severe he was and stern to view.but beneath that thoughtful countenance and iron frame there throbbed -atrue Mason's heart.

Many years ago he found Lodge No. 50, a skeleton, and Masonry onthe whole at a low ebb in Dublin. However with the assistance of the thenD.G.M., Br. W—e and some members of the Victoria ' Lodge, No. 4, aLodge numbering among its members most able, learned, and zealousMasons, the Order in general was advanced , whilst he raised his ownLodge to the highest eminence, and made it the starting point of severalnew Lodges, provincial and metropolitan,- all now rivalling the parentLodge in numbers, respectability, and efficiency.

The grave dignity of his lessons it would be impossible to forget.

whether in the Lodge when impressively delivering the charge to a newlyinitiated brother or when with gaze of rapt ecstacy piercing the ceiling ofsalon , seeming in the intensity of his abstraction to be in communion withthe brotherhood of other worlds, and concluding a manly and sailor-likeaddress *, with his usual and never failing BENISON .

And from our lofty perch in mighty Babylon (lofty enough mayhap un-even the son of an Irish king, and in truth somewhat nearer heaven thanive ever supposed our merits could have entitled us at this side of thegrave), in answering kindness we, even a child of thine who fondl yacknowledges his Masonic father, breathe back unto thee, Br. George,o'er land and sea, that fervid BENISON in which we so often shared whenpoured forth in thy fraternal aspirations.

And we feel no greater pleasure than indulging, the hope that ivhen ourprobation ary pilgrimage and wanderings in other lands shall cease, like" the bird that seeketh its mother's nest," ive may be once more gatheredunder thy wing, and again mid old familiar faces receive that paternalblessing ere our wearied spirit wing its fli ght to that better land where the '"heavy-laden" of this world have hope of rest.

But the lion of the night, and one of the chief pictures in the gallery"of our Masonic memory was a newly initiated brother whose adventuresand " hah breadth scapes" in foreign lands in connection with Ereemasonry 'were so wild and romantic as to induce in all present the wish to hear fromhimself his "strange eventful histoiy," a gratification which he promised

.at the next reunion, excusing himself for that evening on the score ofwant of preparation, and the novelty of the scene around. So whilst await-ing the convenience of our brother, we shall wile away the time byplacing before our readers the promised sufferings of poor Phil Simpsonwhen he fancied he was made a Mason.

CHAPTER V.—PHIL SIMPSON —PRELIMINARY PA RTICULARS OF THESIMPSON EAMILY— COL. B. VISITS THE HALL—DOMESTI C CHIT-CHAT—ARRANGEMENTS FOR PHIL'S FUTURE—EVIL EFFECTS OFNEGLECTED EDUCATION .

THE Phil Simpson class would seem to be nearly extinct, though not manyyears since there were few towns or districts in Ireland which could notproduce its specimen; but what with steam and electricity (those vigorousagents of onward progress)' in short, the general intermeddling of that greatreforming busybody, the schoolmaster , who seems slyly creeping into the bo-som of families, shedding his slow influence over fond, foolish mothers anddoting fathers, the disjecta membra of the village innocent, (the gentle termapplied in certain parts of the sister isle to what ruder people call a fool)will at no very distant fut ure be sought for mid the debris of ages past,and perhaps ranked among the wonders of the pre-adamite world , to berestored to their proper place in the human family by the learning andingenuity of some Owen of the tim e to come.

* Br, B—Id—n was midshipman under Nelson at Trafalgar.

Phn s father was a good easy man with a large unencumbered estate,and a very satisfactory account ivith his bankers, who solely occupiedhimself with watching the variations in the money market, and arrestingthe gout in its progress towards that citadel of his body, the stomach, bythe imbibition of unlimited bottles of dry crusted old port, familiarlytermed by him black strap.

He saw that the hope of his house (for lie had but him) the young Phil ,grow apace and flourished, without the aid of the doctors, and beyondthis he troubled not his head, but left the sole management of this andall other mundane matters to his wife, in which lady's opinion, learningwas not only useless, but a bore, and reading a great preventive of di-gestion ; she further saw how thin and pale the poor curate of the parishwas, who she had heard was a very learned person (the good lady in herunsophisticated innocence never dreamed ho >v difficult it is to grow fatand sleek upon seventy pounds a year) and who always threw her into astate of nervous alarm whenever he spoke to Phil about what he was read-ing, and when he intended to prepare for College.

^.Phil was by no means an idiot ; there seemed to be no organic want orsensible derangement in the original construction of his mental faculties,indeed the astute people in the neighbourhood attributed his want ofsharpness to an over indulgent mother's administering too strong dosesof a peculiar species of food termed by them " Fap doodle," and which it issupposed has a tendency to counteract the development of the intellectualfaculties. The late able and beautiful writer, Mr. Maxwell, defined thisfood to be what they " feed fools on in Connaught;" but whether it bemoral, intellectual or material, that deponent said not, and we must leavethe point to be decided by M. Soyer, or the metaphysicians.

Phil had now reached that very interesting period of life in the femininecalendar, his " teens," knowing little of this great world beyond what per-tained to ponies, poodles, and plum cake, when Simpson Hall was honoredby a visit from his maternal uncle, Col. B—w, an officer on half-pay, whohad amassed a considerable fortune in India, and who was looked up to(as it is termed) by the family, and who intended to make Phil his heir,never having had courage to try his own luck in the lottery of wedlock.

Col. B. had not seen his nephew for years and was quite pleased withhis stout frame, and florid health, but was thrown into a very paroxysmof amazement when that innocent young gentleman put the interrogatory," Uncle, do all Colonels travel with priests for servants ?"

The Colonel stared first at him, then at his mother, then at the father,and.at last sternly asked, "What the d—1 does the boy mean ?"

Mr. Simpson; passively said, "I really don't know, better ask his mo-ther, she understands him, I have something else to think of with thishorrid gout." '. y ;

The uncle appealed to her for an explanation. She confessed her in-ability, but requested her dearest Phil to explain to his uncle, why he hadasked the question; and to beg his pardon, for though she could not- atthe moment see it , she was sure there must be something wrong in it to

make him look so cross and so much astonished." "Why mother,"respondedPhil, " don't you know old father Doyle, the parish priest, rides a whitehone."

The mother with a look of delighted admiration says, " How clever andshrewd to observe what sort of horse the priest rode, I should never havenoticed it, don't you think so, brother ?"

"I think, mam," returned the blunt Soldier, "it is d—d silly andabsurd to mistake my drunken valet for a priest, because he saw a manride a white horse." . " I tell you what, sister, you have made a commonfool of the boy, he should be sent off at once to a public school, and I tellyou more, I do not wish my nephew, much less my heir, to be made eitheran idiot or a milksop."

Incipient hysterical symptoms began lo manifest themselves at themere hint of a public school, " she would never send him to such a placeto have his innocence destroyed and his morals corrupted." " Nonsense,my dear sister, his morals stand much more chance of being corrupted byyour housemaids, and stablemen."

" I'm quite ashamed of you, brother , he could never see any thing in my.establishment but propriety and good example." "Never mind that,Mrs. Simpson, you were never a great witch in the way of knowledge,but perhaps you may be able to make a shadowy guess that there are:some things which we can practice with very little instruction, or example."

Some little vague instinctive notions seemed to affect her, she knew notwhy, and blushing, the little lady swept out of the room with Phil graspedso tightly by the hand , as to make him gape like an unfled ged bird on theapproach of its parent- after a foraging expedition. She was unable tomake up her mind whether to laugh or cry, but was fully convinced herbrother was a hard-hearted brute, who had no conceptions of nor regardfor the feelings of a parent.

When the door closed after her, the Colonel commenced, " Now, brotherSimpson, I tell you if that boy be not removed from the tender care of hisfoolish mother he'll never do a pinsworth of good, he'll be a noodle all hislife ; he is now almost at an age when he might don the toga virilis yetyou still keep him iu a bib and tucker, he is really as ignorant as an oyster,and not a jot wiser than old Jerry, the fool, in yonder town, who will setup a cry of anger if you offer him a shilling, but will dance with joy fora halfpenny, and I feel assured, my respected brother, that in your opi-nion this reaches the very culminating point of folly," added the Colonel,with a significant smile by no means pleasant to Mr. Simpson, who in thehope of putting an end to the subject observed , " I tell you, Colonel, hismother will never consent to his being placed at a public school, and Ireally do not think it is worth vexing her about, besides, if as you havesuggested, a tutor at home will answer the purpose of preparing him forCollege and you insist upon his entering, have one by all means.

" I shall have nothing whatever to do with it, I'm sure you must knowhow distressing the subject is to me; and you will confer a most parti-cular favor on me, if you will kindly see that a suitable place shall be fitted

up for them at the farthest end ol the house, so that I can not hear them,for I feel quite sure the sound of half a dozen Greek or Latin words wouldinevitably bring on a fit of the gout, the very recollection of College evenat this distance of time, and after so many intervening years produces themost disagreeable sensations."

The Colonel smiled, and said, " les, I remember your collegiate coursewas not very brilliant ; I don't thinkyou were often taken in for honours ."

" Taken in, they did nothing but take vie in the whole time I was there,I had the honour to get credit for every villainy committed in BotanyBay (one of the squares of T. C. D.) and out of it too, I think, while I hadthe misery to be immured there. If any spiteful rascal happened to blowsome ill odoured compound through" his tutor's key hole, and caused thatunlucky person to rush from his bed half suffocated in a state of primitivenudity into the open air, shouting ' fire !' and whilst he discovered thepractical joke on hearing from several quarters , ' all hands to the pumps,there's a fellow on fire,' it was sure to be put down to Phil Simpson, ofBotany Bay.

" If a set of scamps in a drunken spree sacrificed the lamps at tlie shrineof the muses (certain offices from their number bore this classic name)no body was suspected but Phil Simpson. "It could scarcely be moreuncomfortable to have been chained by the legs in its synonyme at theantipodes than suffer all I endured in that horrible square ; and, if my poordear father had not fortunatel y for me taken it into his merciful consider-ation to die about that period and enabled me to cut it , I feel quite certainI should myself have died, or at least have gone stark staring mad."

" Well, 1 hope my nephew will be more fortunate, though it looks likea forlorn hope. I shall , however, do all I can , and shall myself go up totown and consult my old friend Dr. II—e about a competent tutor."

The -Colonel proceeded forthwith on his mission, and having securedthe services of a gentleman of first rate qualifications, and having dulyinstalled him at Simpson Hall, with the strictest injunctions not to mindwhat any body said, but to cram Phil as they do geese at Michaelmas,took his departure to the great relief of the family, promising- to returnfor Phil when his tutor should report him ready for entrance.

(To be continued.)

BR. MEYERBEER , the eminent composer, is now in . town, being aboutto superintend the production of his last great work, L'Moile du Nord,at the Royal Italian Opera. Br. Meyerbeer is not only a Craft and ArchMason , but has taken various degrees, not generally acknowledged in thiscountry, up to No. 30, and we are informed is one of the most enthusi-astic followers, and admirers of the beautiful principles upon which ourOrder is founded.

BROTHEKLY LOVE.BY ALEX. HENRY GIRVEN, AUTHOR OF "REGINALD SELWYN," &c.

(Continued from p. 322.)

CHAPTER XL DISCLOSURES —A TRAGEDY.

THE conversation which Simon overheard was well calculated to arrest hisattention. Our readers remember that, in his interview with the Maniac,he received from him an address to winch he was to apply, as Simon be-lieved, for the purpose of ascertaining some information relative to hisparentage.

That address was Monsieur Lefebre, at the Chateau Madelaine, neara hamlet in Burgundy, and minute directions were given for ascertainingthe exact locality.

" It is a strange tale," said one of "the speakers, " it is something likeromance."

" And yet it is quite true," said the other. " It was related circum-stantially to me by Lefebre."

" And where is the Count living ?"" Ihat Lefebre did not feel at liberty to reveal, but I coidd understan d

that he had secluded himself from society, and was leading a kind of ere-mite life. Indeed, it appears, that since the death of the Countess, hisreason has been partially affected—that he is a sort of lunatic."

"An d his son, this Simon le Trouve, has no knowledge of his descent,or anything about the noble Chateau Madelaine, or the estate of which heis to become the future possessor ? "

" Not the slightest. It was a part of the eccentricity of the Count toconceal from him his birth, though he took care to provide him withmoney. The estate is managed by Lefebre, whose extravagance longsince impoverished his means, and made the agency desirable. He isalso related to the Count, and perhaps feels a family interest in the matter.Some change has taken place in the mind of his eccentric kinsman, whohas desired him to institute inquiries after this Simon, who departed sud-denly from the neighbourhood where he had been living, without leavingany trace by which to find him. Indeed, it is rumoured , that he partakesof the insanity of his father. But I must retire to rest, after the fati gueof the day." '

The speakers here separated, leaving Simon overwhelmed with astonish-ment at what he had heard. He reflected that at least he was not isolatedin the world, for he had a parent living, though that parent had desertedhim, ancl was, to all appearance, a lunatic. Still, there was one livin°-being bound to him by the closest relationship, and. he was suffering.Here a new feeling sprang up in his mind, and that was sympathy for hisown flesh and blood. The neglect of his father was not produced bywant of natural affection , but by mental disease, which rendered him anobject of compassion rather than of resentment. Besides, that parent had notentirely deserted him, but had provided means for his support and educa-

tion , proving that, notwithstanding his mental aberration, natural feelingstill existed in his breast. Then he thought of the exalted position hewas to occupy in the world , surrounded by all the luxuries that wealthcould procure, and meeting that deference ivhich is accorded to rank.

Only one thing was wanting to complete his happiness—the love ofIda. Would she be induced to share his prosperity ? She might bedazzled by his position and accept him for a husband, but would herheart accompany her hand ? The past answered in the negative, and it iswithering to know that there are things which cannot be purchased, thatthe affection which you prize is not a vendible commodity, and that thoughyou may be surrounded by all that the materialist can desire, there is stilla void in the craving of your nature, without which, your happiness isincomplete, namely, a pure urisordid love felt for yourself alone.

But the nature of Simon was in a state ' of transition. He mournedover the blight- which his affections had sustained in their tenderest point,but not ivith the hopelessness of future happiness, with which it had atfirst fallen on his spirit. Intercourse with his fellow men, and active life,had shown him that there are various sources of felicity open to thehuman being, and that existence is a chequered scene, in which joy andsorrow are blended together. The chivalrous act of his unknown bene-factor, who had rescued him from death, at the cost, probably, of his ownlife, awakened a dormant sentiment of gratitude to the whole human race,which was perishing from his nature by the want of development, notsupplied by the incidents of his antecedent life.

It gave him an insight into human nature which he had not previouslyand he perceived that there was struggling through much'that was possessed,selfish and base, an element in the breast of man that was noble and God-like.Had his feelings been consulted at that time, he would have freely given uphis newly acquired wealth, to ascertain the name of the party to whomhe was indebted for the preservation of a life, which a short time previ-ously, he had deemed a worthless possession.

He was roused from his reverie by the groans of a man, at a short dis-tance from where he stood. He proceeded in the direction from whichthe voice proceeded, and he heard the sufferer exclaim in a tone that wasfamiliar to him, .

"Eor the love of God, for the sake of your soul, give me a drink o-water, and don't let me perish here."

" What 1 Andre Buffon 1" said Simon." The same—and you ? ""A friend that will not allow you to die without assistance, undeserv-

ing as you are."" I think I know your voice, and if ever I wronged you—but I can

scarcely speak, nor can I raise myself. Oh, that I was with my poormother ," and the imbecile creature sobbed like a child.

" Rouse yourself, man," said Simon, in a stern .tone, for disgust wasovercoming his feelings of humanity, while he held a flask to Andre's lips.The wounded man drained the contents , and said , in a whining voice,

" Are you Simon le Trouve ? "

" Y es, Yes," replied the latter hurriedly. " This is no time for talking.See if you cannot with my assistance reach the baggage train in therear, where you will be attended to."

" May all the saints in the calender protect you," exclaimed Andre,who was a Roman Catholic, as Simon helped him to rise, and supportedhim in the direction named. They soon reached the place were thewounded were temporarily placed, for Andre had only received a fleshwound , and was more fri ghtened than hurt. Having seen Andre safelyinto the custody of those to whom the wounded were entrusted, Simonreturned to his post, feeling grateful that he had been able to assist afellow creature, worthless as he was.

Day now broke, and revealed many manly forms stark and mangled,with the morning dew glistening on their rigid and distorted features.It was a sickening sight, and in his present mood of mind Simon turnedfrom it with loathing. He lost no time in seeking out the commanding-officer of his division, to whom he related the conversation he had heardthe preceding evening, together with its reference to him , and the latterpromised to make inquiries after the speakers. It was ascertained thatthey were officers of rank, and, on Simon making himself known to them,and expressing a wish to visit .Mons. Lefebre, they succeeded in procuringhim leave of absence for a few days.

He was ready to depart the next morning, but before leaving he madesome inquiries relative to Andre, whom he ascertained was recoveringfast, though he was bemoaning his fate, and asserted that his wound wasmortal. He learned , also, that amongst the wounded who had beenremoved the evenmg previous, was a young assistant-surgeon namedBeaufrere, who was generally regretted. He subsequently discoveredthat it was Alfred , and that he was mortally wounded. This intelligencegrieved him, for all traces of animosity to his early friend had beeneffaced , and he sighed to think of the untimely fate of one so gifted inperson and disposition.

A few day s brought Simon in sight of the dwelling of his forefathers,and the broad lands which surrounded it, his future inheritance. The man-sion was castellated, and was evidently erected at a remote date. The greybattlements gleamed through the vestment of ivy that was mantling thehoary edifice ; and a feeling of pride swelled up in Simon's bosom, whenhe reflected that he was gazing on the abode of his ancestors, some ofwhom perhaps had been amongst the heroes of Crecy, or Agincourt , orhad shed their blood on the burning plains of Palestine. As heapproached , a breeze sprang up, waving the dro oping flag on the battle-ment, and, sweeping through the trees, played on his cheek. It seemedas if the spirit of the place floated forth to welcome him to the ancienthome of his forefath ers.

After a protracted interview with Mons. Lefebre, Simon was introducedto tlie guests who were remaining at the chateau , as the son of an oldfriend and relative of his, and in Madame Lefebre he recognised the earlyacquaintance of Ida. She treated him with great cordiality, and told him.that Ida had not long left the chateau , adding, that she had mads a

serious impression on the heart of a puritanical relative of her husband's,it Lutheran minister in the neighbourhood. This latter was told with anail' of levity, but she sighed heavily, and remained silent for some timeafterwards. Simon did not notice the alteration, for he appeared buriedin thought, and his countenance wore a melancholy expression.

Mons. Lefebre was also unusually grave, and he appeared to be labour-ing under some heavy depression of' spirit, which he vahdy endeavouredto conceal by his customary manner.

In the course of the day he requested Simon to accompany him to hisstudy, and informed him he woidd require his assistance .as a relativeand friend, the next morning. He* stated that a duel was to take placebetween him and a former friend, and that he felt a presentiment the-result woidd be* fatal to him. To Simon's suggestion that the affairmight be arranged, he replied it was impossible, for his opponent hadreceived through him a dishonour to his family, which, were he in hisplace, he woidd feel bound to take vengeance for. It was the seductionof a sister. Though Simon would have preferred declining to act asa second in the sanguinary scene, he could not refuse the request of his.relative, and agreed to meet him at an early hour the following morning.

The remainder of the day was spent by Mons. Lelebre in his study,,arranging his affairs and giving a detailed account of his stewardship ofthe Madelaine estate, which he addressed to Simon. He also wrote abrief but affectionate letter to his wife, and another to Jeunegrace. Whenthese were completed, he flung himself back in his chair, and involuntarilyentered into a retrospect of his past life, the incidents of which rose upvividly before him. He remembered distinctly the period when he hadbeen the pride and hope of fond parents, and the rapture with ivhich theywatched his mental and physical faculties unfolding, and his grief whenlie saw them consigned in his boyhood to an earlv grave. How, formonths afterwards, he would wander desolate about the old mansion, whereevery object reminded Mm of the vanished looks of love and tenderness ,so different to the cold and formal aspect- of the guardian to whose care hewas entrusted. He was still in the prime of manhood, but a life of dissipa-tion had impaired his constitution, and he felt the curse of the Sybarite,a disgust and weariness at almost everything he felt or saw, and the wantof capacity for permanent enjoyment. But he recollected clearly withwhat ardour and trustfulness in the future he entered in early youth on thepath of pleasure, scarcely thinking that decay is an element in the physicalgenesis, and that all fruition produces only satiety.

How fresh was once each object in existence. What a bloom was oncreation; and what dreamy and luxurious feelings sprang up in his mind,as he wandered through the woodland, or by the winding stream, inhalingthe pure atmosphere of the country, and surrounded by the beauty offloral and vegetable life. And then, how glorious that golden romancethat pervaded his imagination, how far superior to the grossness ofreality. This was the period when he had revelled in his day-dream oflove, when love is an incense of the young untainted soul, pining forpmlty and excellence, and unsullied by any gross emanations of sense.

And she to whom he had sworn fideli ty, and whom his fancy hadetherealised, how vividly her image rose up before him on the morningwhen they separated , only to meet again on terms of indifference and tolaugh over the days of their romance.

How many generous sentiments he had once felt, which had beenextinguished by sensual indulgence ; and how gradually a callousness toall that did not conduce to his own gratification crept over his nature.And his early sentiments of purity, where were they ? All vanished ;and in their place a hollow scepticism and a materialist theory. Thacircumstances connected with the death strife in which he was about tobe engaged, next intruded on his mind. The man who would seek hislife in a few hours, had once been his most intimate friend , and diningabsence had entrusted his only sister to his care, as to that of a brother,and how had he discharged that sacred trust. Finally his thoughtsturned to Ids wife, whom he had wooed in a moment of caprice, whensickened with what are called the follies of the fashionable world. Did hefulfil the vow he had made to love and cherish her ?—Had he not frozenher once fervid heart by his indifference and neglect ?

The thoughts of Lefebre were too painful to be endured, and hesought relief in the wine before him. He drank glass after glass, untilhis senses were stupified , and he sank into a deep sleep.

As day was breaking, Simon rose and knocked at Lefebre's door.He found him already dressed, and rather pale and nervous from Mssolitary debauch the preceding evening. But Lefebre soon recoveredhimself, and suppressed any indication that could induce a supposition thathe shrunk from the result of the recontre. He was a man of courage and ofpride, and resolved that his last act should be in conformity with his re-putation . He told Simon that he would follow him to the ground, andwhen the latter left the house, stole softly to the bedchamber of his wife.She was asleep and he thought she never looked so lovely. Somethinglike a tear gathered in his eye, but he repressed it, and bending clown hepressed his lips to her, and retired.

Simon had reached the ground. It was a lovely morning, with all theattributes of beauty of reviving and blossoming flowers, fragranceand stray notes of melody from the boughs, with a purple shaderesting on almost every object visible. What a contrast the aspect ofthat still life to the sanguinary scene that was about to be enacted.

He was soon jo ined by Lefebre, and after a short time the other partiesmade their appearance.

The seconds having arranged the preliminaries, the combatants wereplaced sword in hand , and face to lace.

Both were powerful in body, and expert swordsmen, but a contest ofsome minutes terminated in Lefebre's receiving the sword of hisopponent in his side. He fell with a groan , and Simon supported hishead. The dying man gave him one look of gratitude, it was his last, forhe rolled from his grasp a corpse.

Thus perished a man who might, under other circumstances, have beenan ornament to society and a benefit to his fellow beings.

Simon lost no time in having him conveyed to the castle, which hereached just as the last of the revellers had retired from the banquetroom, which still smelt strongly of the fumes of wine.

CHAPTER XII.—THE MANIAC 'S NARRATIVE .

Though Ida expected to hear little more than the outpourings of remorse,or the incoherencies of a disordered imagination , still she kept her promisewith the Maniac, and repaired to the Mount early the next day. Shefound him seated on the fragment of a rock, with a roll of paper inhis hand. He accosted her with more than usual sadness, but he appearedperfectly collected and rational. When she had seated herself by hisside he said,

"I have invited you , Ida, to hear my tale, which I have committed topaper in calmer moments. I know that long before it is concluded , !shall have inspired you with horror, and that you will recoil from me withloathing. I intended to have deferred my narrative until my (lying hour,for then I would have no necessity for your sympathy, or for your society,which lias been the only thing in existence that has afforded 'me pleasuresince my abode here. But something impels me to make my disclosuresnow, for something tells me I am on the threshold of eternity, that per-haps only a f ew hours are alloted to me, for this temp le of madness haslong been crumbling to decay. Look, Ida ," he said, baring his arm, whichwas worn to a skeleton, "look, and see if this wretched frame can long

• survive. Weep not, my child, for death will be a release ; and can theInfinite doom to eternal torment, one' who has known no peace for years,and whose waking and sleeping moments have been haunted by a phantomof horror, that lias frequently tempted me to fling myself over this preci-pice ? Ida , I have loved you like my own child. Your kindness has causedto flow the iiist tear my seared brain could shed for years, and thatafforded me a temporary relief. I do not ask you not to" loathe me, butbefore I commence, will you promise that you will not retain resent-ment to my son, who, though morose and wayward, is guiltless of hisfather's faults ? Will you promise this as though you were speaking toa dying man ?

" Yes," said Ida, earnestly, " yes, I promise it most solemnly."" Then I shall proceed," he said, and unfolding the manuscript, he read

the following, which was frequently interrup ted by bursts of anguish,which wc have omitted , for, by this time, the reader must have a clearinsight into the mental tortures he was enduring.

" Would you have ever thought that the wretched being who nowaddresses you, was once an object of the world's worship, the possessor ofrank and wealth , to whom the incense of adulation was daily offered , by thevenal parisites of prosperity ? Can you believe that I, whose latter asso-ciation s have been only the rugged rock, the wild brambles and themouldering oak, and whose only animated visitants are the snail, or theworm that crawls by my abode, that I have mixed with the noblelest and

most refined in the land ? But such is the case. I have heard in a lucidmoment my common designation here, aud yet the Maniac of the Mountis one of the noblest and wealthiest peers of Erance.

"I was not once so. I was poor, parentless, and had to Work at anhumble trade for my living, at an early age, in Paris. My toil was ill-remunerated, I was surrounded by squalor, and hunger frequently visitedmy sordid dwelling. ' Life had one solace, that of a friend. He was inbetter circumstances, and was intended for a minister of the Lutheranchurch. We early formed acquaintance. I was a catholic, but he had nosectarian prejudices and knew no distinctions in his benevolence. Hewould say that all Christian creeds were like rays flashing from the dia-mond, that all taught precepts of morality, and all inculcated BrotherlyLove.

" We grew into manhood together, and I loved him as my life. I lookedup to him as a superior being, but he was all humility. He entered on hisministry, and I continued at my trade, till our intercourse was interrupted.AVhat pure and happy moments we spent together , wandering by thebanks of the Seine. But our friendship was destined to terminate. Atour then period of life, it ivas natural that we should fall in love. Menwhen they advance in years deride the passion, but love is a necessity ofyouth. We loved, but , unfortunately, it was the same young maiden. Ithought she preferred my friend, but I strove to banish, the idea, for itdrove me almost to frenzy. Every look directed to your father, everyword she addressed to him drove me to distraction, and I took deadlyhatred towards him.

" Circumstance soon made me a successful rival, for I became possessedof a title and an estate through the death of an uncle .who was childless,but who was eccentric, and would never contribute to the support of myparents, or myself, though he knew my father or I must succeed him.I now resolved to gratify my resentment against my former friend, andto obtain possession of the girl whom I still loved, notwithstanding herpreference of another. I pleaded my passion, and pointed out theadvantages in a worldly point from being the wife of a man of wealth.She declined my offer , hut I was not deterred , and applied to her parents.They were limited in means, and persuaded her into a compliancs withmy wishes.

" I felt an indescribable transport , I thought of the triumph I hadacheived, and I pictured the torture I had inflicted on my rival. But Ilittle thought with what strength religion arms its possessor, for he appearedtranquil and resigned, and when we met he saluted me with the deferencedue to my position, but without any indication of resentment . I saw,however, that his cheek was thinner and paler than usual, and I knewthat he must be suffering in mind.

'•'I could not complain of my wife. She was brought up in a school of pietyand obedience, and no murmur, no word, no look of regret ever escapedher, and at the same time she endeavoured to render me as happy aspossible. There was only one circumstance in her conduct that occasionedme pain. She refused to comply with my wishes to become a member of

the national faith, but remained a member of the Lutheran faith, and wasconstant in her attendance at the chapel where my rival officiated , in theenvirons of the metropolis. This opposition to my will, excited not onlyanger, but jealousy, and from that hour I vowed to persecute my formerInend even to death, should he cross my path. I knew that his sole de-pendence was on his flock , but still I determined to drive him from ParisX soon found that I had sufficient influence to effect this, and to dry up Mspresent source of income. Religious intol erance is not peculiar to'anytorn ot faith—it is common to all, at least to the unreasoning and bigotedof every denomination, and it has been frequently found an efficient agentm gratifying other desires than that of establishing any peculiar religiousdogmas. Ihis chapel was ordered to be closed, and he was interdictedIrani practising his ministry in Paris under severe penalties. If all formsor the Ohnstian creed are tainted with intolerance, so have ail of themmembers, whose sincerity cannot be denied, and as the one will tempt topersecute so will the other nerve them to suffer for the faith that is inthem My wal was one of the latter. He did not openly infringe thelaw, but he did so secretly, by celebratin g the simple rite's of his religion inthe private dwellings of some members of his little congregation. In thishe was detected and thrown into prison, where he languished for some

However through the persuasion of his flock he was induced to promisetiiat lie would depart immediately, and on this condition he was liberatedi saw my wife was getting into bad health , and I fancied it was fromsympathy with the sufferings of her former lover. This incensed me morethan ever against him, but I rested satisfied with having accomplished myimmediate object . She was ordered change of air, and a new source ofattection for her was disclosed—she was abou t becoming a mother. I had- no doubt of her fidelity, she was too pure for such suspicion. It was for thatwarmth of affection which I thought she at one time had for my rival thatW I Tl n° pr0°fs °f my attacliment could elicit.

We left Pans, and went to reside in the country. The change had abeneficial effect on both of us, and I began to feel a serenity that I hadnever experienced since our marriage. Even some of my resentment tomy persecuted friend abated , and I felt greived at the length to ivhich Ihad earned my resentment. But my former feelings were soon revivedm all their former force. Riding out in the direction of a small town inthe neighbourhood, we encountered the object of my aversion. He wasclad m the attire of a peasant. He recognised me, and raised his hatdeferentially, and I perceived that he had grown quite grey. I looked atrny wile, she coloured deeply and sighed, I immediately institutedinquiries, and ascertained that he was officiating in the neighbouring townand earned a scanty subsistence. I felt I could not rest until I had°drivenium from the spot , and I again succeeded."My wife shortly afterwards became very ill, and died in giving birthprematurely to a child. In her last moments she besought me to beleconcded to my early friend, and desired me to read a letter in herescritoire, it was addressed to her by him a short time previous to our

marriage. He besought her for the sake of her parents to accept my oiler,and not to bestow a thought on him, for the knowledge that she wasplaced in a position of affluence, would console him for the loss of hersociety, and that happiness which he had looked forward to in being unitedto her. He dwelt upon the transitory nature of human felicity, and theduty of the Christian to bow with submission to the decrees of an over-ruling Providence. And then he spoke of me, and with the affection of abrother whose estrangement from him he deeply regretted. The letter con-cluded by an earnest prayer for our happiness.

"The letter dropped from my hand, and I rushed to my wile s bed-side.I wept on her pillow, and I promised her solemnly that I would neverdesist until I had discovered my friend , asked his forgiveness, and atonedto him for my persecution. She was too faint to reply, but a gentlepressure and a look of gratitude convinced me that she understood mymeaning. A few days afterwards I followed her to the grave. I couldnot bear the sight of my child, regarding its birth as the cause of my wife'sdeath. I removed it to where I knew he would be properl y tended, and Isupplied ample means for his provision and education." Erom that moment I devoted myself to searching" after my friend, but it

was vain. I traced him to various places, and perhaps my inquiries reachedhis ears, and not knowing my motives in pursuing him, he took steps tobaffle my discovery.

(To be continued.)

MASONIC INTELLIGENC E

GRAND LODGE.THE Q,uavtevlv Communication was held in Freemasons' Hall, on Wednesday,

June 6th , the Right Hon. the Earl of Yarborongh, D.G.M. presiding, supported byBr. Stuart , S.W.5 Eaton, J.W. ; Rev. J. E. Cox, G.Chap. ; Rev. Ed. Moore, G. Ch. ;W. H. White, G. Sec ; A. Dobie, G. Reg. ; H. L. Crohn, G.S G.C; R. W.Jennings, G.D. Cers. ; J. Chapman , Assist, do. ; Bagshaw, P.G.M. for Essex ;Bowyer, P.G.M. for Oxfordshire ; Rawson, P.G.M. for China ; Lord Leigh, P.G.M.for Warwickshire ; John Hervey, P.G.D.; Potter, P.G.D,; Goldsworth y, P.G.P. ;Havers, P. G. D. ; Patten, P.G.S.B. ; LeVeau, P.G.S.B.; Leech, P.G.S.B. ; Spiers,P.G.S.B., &c. &c.

The G. Sec. read the minutes of the last G. Lodge, the Board of Masters, and theBoard of General Purposes, all of which were confirmed , although we do not believethat one Brother in ten could make head or tail of what they were about, in con-sequence of the tone in which they were read.

An election was taken for fourteen Members of the Lodge of ^Benevolence, whenthe ballot was declared to have fallen on Brs. Gooch , Hopwood, Morris, Moxon,Roberts, Webb, and Wilkinson, as acting Masters ; and Brs. Attwood, Barrett,Bisgood, Filer, Johnson, Palmer, and Young, as P. Masters.

The M.W. G.M. then appointed eleven brethren to the Board : they were, as far aswe could understand—but we do not vouch for the accuracy of the list, in consequenceof the inaudibl e tone in which the names were read—Brs . Bigg, Crohn, Dobie,L. Evans, Faudell , John Hervey , Jennings, King, Herbert Lloyd, Parkinson, andTomkins. We applied at the grand Secretary 's office for a list of the names, in orderto avoid mistakes , but it was refused us , by order of Br. White, the G. Sec, who

^has

a- great horror of seeing any thing published relative to Masonry—a horror which

appears even to extend to the publication of the minutes and accounts of the QuarterlyCommunications, FIVE of which are now over due.

Br. Symonds moved that it be referred to the Board of General Purposes to makeinquiry into the circumstances attendant upon the Freemasons' Tavern changinghands, and especially as regarded its being let to the late proprietors.

Br. Barrett seconded the motion. This gave rise to some discussion, which, forobvious reasons, we do not publish ; and the resolution, which cannot by pos-sibility lead to any beneficial result, was carried.

Br. Savage moved that, inasmuch as the annual grant from Grand Lodge to theWidows' Fund of the Royal Benevolent Institution had been increased from 100?. to200/. an additional vote should be given to the Masters of the various Lodges. Hebrought forward the resolution on principle, and he believed that the only reason whyit -was not made part of the original resolution, was a feeling that it followed as amatter of course. For the Male Annuity Fund, 400?. per annum was granted, andfour votes were allowed to the Lodges for it ; it was, therefore, but reasonable, thatwhen the vote to the Widows' Fund was increased from 1001. to 200?., the votesshould be increased from one to two. Indeed, it ought to be understood that every100?. so voted should carry with it a vote to the Masters of the various Lodges.

Br. Dr. Jones seconded the motion.Brs. Havers, Dobio, and White (the G. Sec), opposed the motion, on. the ground

that it would give too great a preponderance to the votes of the Lodges against thoseof individual subscribers ; and that the motion ought to have been submitted to thesubscribers at a General Meeting, prior to coming before Grand Lodge.

Br. Savage replied, and the question, being put, was negatived.Br. Dobie complained of lists of candidates to become members of the Board of

Benevolence having been sent round with a request for support. He thought suchcanvassing illegal, and ought to be suppressed, as the brethren were supposed to cometo Grand Lodge to give their votes free ancl unfettered.

Br. Savage thought the evil might be put an end to, by the brethren being electedby a show of hands instead of ballot.

After a few further observations, the subject dropped.A Broth er who, some years since, was suspended from the enjoyment of Masonic

privileges-* being a defaulter as Treasurer of a Lodge, and in other ways—appliedto be re-admitted to those privileges.

The application was refused.Br. Portal, P.G.W. of Oxfordshire, gave notice, that at the next Quarterly Com-

munication he should move that a programme of the business to be brought forwardat each meeting should be printed, for the information of the brethren attendingGrand Lodge.

All business being ended, the Lodge was closed in due form.

THIS Board met for the first time since its reconstrucfion , on Tuesday last, wheu Dr-Dobre having been appointed President, Br. George Barrett was elected Vice-Presi-dent. No other business was transacted. Tlie Board consists of 14 brothers (beingMasters or P.M's), elected by Grand Lodge, and 11 appointed by the Grand Masterin addition to the G.M., the G.D.M., and the two G.W's , who are members ex-officio.

BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES.

AT the meeting of this Board on Wednesday, the 30th May, 132?. was voted in va-rious sums, for the relief of distressed Brethren or their Widows. And at the meet-ing of the l/tli June, 85?.

BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE.

ROYAL FREEMASONS' GIRLS' SCHOOL.

. At the request of some country brethren, we print the balance-sheet of this Insti-tution for the past year, in order that it may gain more general currency amongst theCraft than it is otherwise likely to do :—

Dr.1854. £ e. d. £ s. &

To Traduce ol Children'sWork 30 14 0

Donation per UnitedGrant! Lodge of Eng-land 350 0 0

• United Grand lodgeSubscriptions ..... . 150 0 0

Amount of Donationsand Subscriptions, asper List 1180 13 6

Kit ,i o per ProvincialGrandJLoct ges .. 15 15 0

Ditto Lodges as perList 280 1 0

Ditto Lodges of In-struction ...... 11 11 0

Supreme GrandChapter£l0 10 0

Chaptersas perList-.... 8 8 0

: 18 18 0Encampments .... 3 3 0

329 14 0Six Months' Dividend

on Stock 3 per cent.Consolidate/) inani-ties, due Jan. £4200 63 0 0

Ditto on Stock 3 percent . Reduced Annui-ties, dueApril. £4000 60 0 0

Ditt o ditt o 3 per cent.Consols, due July,£'4200 63 0 0

Ditto ditto 3 per cent.Reduced , due Oc-tober, £4000 60 0 0

248 fl 0

Audited and found Correct, Tuesday, 3rdApril, 1855, lu

GEORGE BIGGS.FREDERICK ADLARD.JOHN BARNES.

£-2267 1 6

Or.1854 £ t. d. £ s. d.

ByBalancepaidTreasurer 89 12 8Provisions for Matron ,

Assistants, Servants,and Children ...... 755 12 0

Rates, taxes, and in-surance 54 3 8

Furniture, Matting, &e. 9 15 4Linen, Clothing, &e.... 213 12 4Coals, Coke, Firewood,

Oil, Soap, and Can-dles 158 8 0

House Utensils, Oil-men, Turnery, &e... 34 10 11

Sundry Repairs ...... ol 5 3Books, Stationery,

Printing, Postage,Porterage, Advertise-ments, including Sec-retarial Disburse-ments... 99 11 0

Presentation Medals,for two years 2 10 0

Omnibuses for convey-ing Children to andfrom the Festival .. 5 i 0

Medicines andExpenses 19 1 0

Com. to Collector 60 11 3Garden Charges 29 2 10"Writing on Vellum

Three Testimonials-one for presentationto the Chairman,- oneto the Deputy-Chair-man,, and one to theMembers of theBuilding Committeeof the School, &e. .. 19 19 0

Gratuity to BrotherCrew, for additionalServices andExpensesduring the Erectionof the New Buildingl26 0 0

Salaries and Wages toSecretat}', Matron,Schoolmistress, &c...330 9 6

Board-room Clock,WindingTurret ClockOne Year , and Re-pairing Dial 5 2 6

19(4 29 4Piper, Messrs., balance

of their Account forBuilding, &c 135 17 11

Funeral Expenses ofthe late Mrs. Crook,who was upwards ofFifty-four Years Ma-tron of the Institu-tion, Mourpingfor theHousehold , Children,and Servants, &c. .. 74 11 10

Balance in Banker 'sbands H 19 9

£2287 1 6

LONDON LODGES.LODGE OP FIDELITY (No 3"\ Ti,» u„i L-

for the season, took place on the 13th ult T+?S £ *" bl'efchl'en of tIlis L°d§eLaw the W.M., f k^ t^ ^ ^^T^ **» *'ROIAL IOBK LODGE op PEB.SEVEBWCE fflo J, * i tseason, of this Lodge was held on twl - ^ ; '> -~*The ,asf; meeting, for themasons' Tavern , n^ ^H^ ** M* «f May, at fhe Free!and passed another to their respective d™' A

IIoPw°od' a% ™sed one brothei-Crohn, Hempden , Honey, Palme StoS t

v?

t0H were B»- B°business, the brethren ^d togethei to tLVHMK8KE AND KEYSTONK LODGE fW„ 101 T l ' T ,recently vesusiteted through the exertions ofy l &

1J"s,,L°dSe ^ch has beenas a Lodge of reunion for the breftren of tint P DJ-G'M- °' Oxfordshire,Freemasons' Tavern, when the W.M the 11 BrT°n' "J? 0" *e 6th ult> at theinto the Order. ' Kev< Bp' L> all> a%initiated two gentlemen

celebration of the centena y 5eSt ™ dX-dV^ "l0"3"0" the

established for considerably .Lr t a cent , I twU M

Lod*e had been

adopt the distinctive Je„J to be d oLd £ If T- ?°* eXpedlent to do ™re thanto the G.M. ' /0"ed t0 wear wL«*» application lias been made

^ onfeK^T^ffl1^

0'tWs

Met at a»

freemasons'l*«the *expected, prior to the banquet. "-""'-""ay, J uly 4th . Several initiations are

on CS?!S£f S t, ^- B^ArS'hren l°f ** a ™^to their respective degrees. The Lodw Vn 7 o ' v T,' aud Pas3ed two bro^J. Dalton, many yearl its Ty£ y J ?£C°

tJ

n ° the servioe5 of the late Br.The last meeting of the Lodl for f, 8S a ?Ttim to his wid™-

Br; was duly rais ed! ^^2^" ?P *** °f Jmu > aadjourne d. They will, however hold !l,t , 7 , 'o* "**&». the brethrenthe 10th inst. It is witl^nc; e

0lre«et \ ff,

Md Garter' Richmon d> ™every Brother who has the honour o/ hi ~t '' i ™ m'e SUre wiU be fel* by

serious illness of Br. Orme, C^^ tZff ™ *"" °f the

^a?tet! S^ #^?i* ' ere

on Thursday, 7th June, at Br. Ireland's ife me*!.for

last «'«e this season ,candidates for several ceremonies not hit i " 1Cbambe Fetter Lane. The

S.M. (103) Vis., with the assistanc Sthe h^ ?* f^' Br' CWIe>>sections of the first lecture. ThTheth i f t™ , i ™' T C°d the &'st alld secondsupper, provided in Br. Ireland' «sUaiuhJ^Z f mf ?d to P" of an excellentthe W.M., in proposing the healths tf S it

A"™1 Masonic toasts,expressed the pleasure felt at all timS i„ ite °°d (2,3>' a»d Cmwley (103)particular ly the thanks of the LodS for^^fi ^?° WB,

^m0

vMtora* and »"»occasions by Br. Crawley, in givhi " histrnet n,, ? 1? le f *™ rendered on aU

return , stated that during the seve al vea 1 P ? ^ "' Br " Cl'awle^ itt

he had always felt the greate t iLure in !i fd h°-T «>*»*»** with the Lodge,than on the present occasion, when he w Invb " '

tha' nwer m"» »'m great respect . And with regZVl in h-ucHon 1 fbT Tf

d hi'n W,10m he heIdhe was always most happy to give it w£e"S 'l l ^

WaS WeU known tha*

then proposed the health of the W M Br Tn™„ T"' Br' Wilki »gson, P.M.,successful ancl happy y0Br of office ' flfklf 1 f"- a"? tl™ta<1 that lle would have aperform ing the to hi

°™ i^Tt

tha

> f fcbe

^M. succeeded inapprobation of tlie brethren. A e . drinfiS ' iT^",0t feil of S»ini»g *athe names of Br. Moss, Treasure , l IU c l Tf * °f the P"M'S' «»upled with***** Officers , the brethren c? 3 ;!rls 'l^rn?

&eere -V' °nd oB,ar W a^by some excellent dngin-. hannonious evening, which was enlivened

LODGE OF REGULARITY (NO. 108).—Th e brethren of this excellent and highlyrespectable Lodge, celebrated the centenary of their Charter, on the 31st May, by avery elegant dinner, at the Brunswick Hotel, Blackwall, the W.M., Br. LewisSolomon, presiding. A variety of toasts having been drunk, Br. Wm. Johnson ,P.M., rose to propose, "Prosperity and perpetuity to the Lodge of Regularity."It gave him sincere pleasure to be able to propose that toast , as the records of theLodge showed how prosperous it had been during the 100 years it had been inexistence, and how steadily it had supported the Charter, there being scarcely aninstance, it any, of any festival taking place for a Masonic charity to which thatLodge did not' send a Steward. It was most gratifying to see the offices so wellfilled with rising and enthusiastic Masons as they now were, and whilst they con-tinued to be so filled , there was no fear but the Lodge must contininue to prosper.The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm . The evenings entertainment wasenlivened hy the vocal exertions of the W.M., Br Albertz, Br. Crew, Br. GeorgeGenge, and other brethren, and the excellent performances on the piano of Br.Charles Solomon, who also favoured the company with several songs a la Parry.

POLISH NATIONAL (NO. 778).—The usual monthly meeting of the members ofthis Lodge was held, on the 14th ult., at the Freemasons' Tavern, when Br. Looingerwas raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, and Mr. W. Murray initiatedinto the Order. Br. Lemanski, P.M., on the same occasion , installed Br. Detkinsas W.M. for the ensuing year, who appointed Br. Johnson, S.W. ; Br. Samuel, J.W. ;Br. Murray, S.D. ; Br. Bonporath , J.D.; and Br, Matta, I.G. At the banquettable, a very handsome jewel was presented to P.M., Br. Ritterbandt , for the abilitywith which he discharged the duties of his year of office. The health of the visitorswas acknowledged by Brs. Dawson and Yoell, of the Adelphi Lodge (No. 23, NewYork Register). There were also present Brs. Mather, Martin, Shabos, Gurton , andWard .

MOIRA LODGE (No. 109).—This old and celebrated Lodge marks with a whitestone its entertainment of the 26th, for not only was there a large and influential bodyof the brethren and visitors present, but after the close of Masonic business the Lodgewas honoured on this occasion by the attendance of a great many ladies.

The Lodge was opened in the usual form by Br. C. Hogg, who assisted by Br. R. G.Ledger, S.W., and Br. J. W. Mellish, I.W. After the usual ceremonies, Mr. Sargoodand the Rev. R. Roberts were initiated most efficiently. The Lodge being closed, thebrethren adjourned to the banquet ; and here we beheld the most effective coup d' oeil weever witnessed. In the centre of the tables, and running down their whole length wereinnumerable silver gilt vases filled with the choicest flowers . Groups of wax lightsdotted about, giving a beautiful effect. In front of the W.M. was a large looking-glass plateau, illustrated with groups of growing Aowers, and surrounded by giltwinged figures supporting branches for lights ; but, beyond all, the rows of fair ladieswas by far the most attractive sight. Such an assemblage of beauty and fashion everto be remembered by the brethren of the Lodge.

Among the Brs. we observed, Br. Hogg, W.M., Br. White , G.S., Br. Potter ,P.G.I.W., Br. Ledger, Br. Mellish, John Mott Thearle, G. W. Bell, R. C. Bell,F. Slight, Straight, Palmer, Austin, Aspall, Lewis, Law, Webster, Smith, 0. Law,Sargood, Roberts, and a number of other distinguished brethren.

The dinner was of the most recherche description, every delicacy in and out ofseason ; and the whole arrangement of the banquet reflects the highest credit uponBr. Bathe, who on this occasion had devoted the whole of the London Tavern tothe accommodation of the brethren of the Moira and then- friends. Apropos of thethe dinner, and in parenthesis (we would remark upon the absurdity of having the billsof fare in French,—many of the visitors do not understand it, and not one of thewaiters. We had the hardihood to request a waiter to bring us a plate of the " Com-pote de Pigeon a la Financier," the request evidently much disturbed his mind ; butwith that ability in meeting exigencies so peculiar to waiters, he departed and returnedwith lamb chops and cucumber, evidently not the dish with the long name we so de-sired to have).

The usual Masonic toasts were given by the W.M. with his usual eloquence. Thoserequiring it were responded toby Brs. White, G.S.,Potter, Sargood, Roberts, Smith, &c.

The musical arrangements under the direction of Br. II. R. Allen were most perfect.The vocalists were, Miss St. Vincent, Miss Stage, Br. E. Day, H. Percy , Mr Ruddock,Mr. Harper and the veceran vocalist, Mr. Jolly. Conductor , Br. W. Aspull, P.W.,of No. 76 and P.G.O. presided at the pianoforte with that judicious care and tastewhich has so distinguished this accomplished musician. Br. H. R. Allen, the cele-brated tenor singer, then sung most delightfully Mozart' s beau tiful song, "0 CaraImagine." Br. Day sang several beautiful songs with great feeling. Miss St. Vincentlias one of the sweetest voices we ever heard, and we augur a very high professionalfuture fortune. The festivities were prolonged until a late hour, and with the lastcarriage, as it rolled away, closed one of the old MoiiVs happy days.

ST. ANDREW'S LOBGE (NO. 281.)—This Lodge held its last meeting for theseason on the 7th June, when one Brother was passed and another raised to theirrespective degrees. The brethren then adjourned to refreshment, and , after passinga happy evening, separated well delighted with the results of the season.

ZETLAND LODGE (NO. 752).—Th e usual monthl y meeting of this Lodge was heldon the 12th ult., at the Adam and Eve, Kensington, for the election of W.M. forthe ensuing year, and also for the election of a Treasurer, when Br. Haywood, S.W.,was elected to preside over the Lodge, and Br. Daly to guard its funds. We con-gratulate the Lodge upon its selection of these brethren, who, we are sure, will ablyand faithfully fulfil Ihe duties imposed on them .

BEADON LODGE (NO. 902) .—On the 20th ult., this Lodge held its first meting ofthe season, at Br. Adams', Star and Garter, Kew Bridge, under the able presidencyof the W.M., Br. Wm. Watson, who raised Brs. Woodley, Charles, and Search(23), aud passed Br. Kingshot. The banquet which followed the Masonic businessof the evening, was served in the host's usual liberal aud elegant style. The visitorspresent were, Brs. Kirby, P.M. (169), Banks, S.W. (11), Gurton , S.W. (211),Learch (23), and Beans (25). The W.M., in responding to the toast of his ownhealth, took occasion to observe, that having been instrumental in founding the Lodge,be should ever take a lively interest in its prosperity ; and although circumstancesmight arise which would have the effect of taking him from the neighbourhood, hewould pledge himself to them, that if he was-within two days' journey of Kew Bridge,lie should make it a point of attending, at least, their installation meetings. He hadmade it a rule, when retiring from the chair of a Lodge, to instal his successor ; andhe would assure them that he should adhere to it in the case of their Lodge; andbegged, in conclusion , to drink the health of all tlie brethren.

JOPPA LODGE (NO. 223).—The members of the above Lodge of Instruction met atthe Crooked Billet, Tower Hill , on Thursday evening, the 17th of May, to celebratethe closing of tlie Session, Br. H. Lyons, WM., Lodge of Joppa, presiding, assistedby Br. H. A. Isaacs, S.W., Lodge of Israel, as S.W., and Br. Alexander Levy, P.M.,Lodge of Tranquility , as J. W.

Alter the usual loyal and Masonic toasts, ihe W.M. , in a very able speech, pro-posed the toast of the evening, " Success to the Joppa Lodge of Instruction,"coupling with it the health of the Lecture Master , Br. Saqui,' to which that Br.responded in a very nea t speech, alluding to the great progress the Lodge had madeduring the Session .

The W.M. then proposed the health of Br. Risch, Hon. Sec., to which Br. Rischresponded , expressing his desire at all times to promote the interests of the Order.The W.M. then proposed in very eulogistic terms tlie Senior and Junior Wardens, asrepresentatives of the Lodges of Israel and Tranquility , which was responded to byBr. H. A. Isaacs and Br. Alexander Levy. Among other toasts came the P.Ms, ofthe Lodge of Joppa, to which Br. P. M. Lazarus replied. The evening was passedin the most agreeable manner, and its hilarity greatly enhanced by the very excellentsinging of Br. Alexander Levy, Br. C. Van Goor, Br. S. Solomon, and Br. HenryIsaacs, Br. Saqui presiding at the pianoforte.

INSTRUCTION.

PROVINCIAL LODGES.

DEVONSHIRE.

ST. JOHN , EXBTER (No. 46).—The W.M. called a lodge of emergency at theMasonic Hall , on Tuesday, the 26th inst. The first lodge of instruction for theseason, is fixed for Thursday, 5th July inst.

LODGE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST , PLYMOUTH (No. 83).—The Brethren assembledon Tuesday, the 19 th of June, at a Lodge of Emergency, to initiate Capt. Warre, whohad been ballotted for some months previously. The ceremony was most ably andimpressively performed by Br. Pollard , P.M., P.P.G.T., well seconded by the variousofficers . Lodge being closed in form, and with solemn prayer, the brethren retiredto refreshment at an early hour. The healths of the Queen, the M.W.G.M., Earl ofZetland, the M.W.P.G.M. Earl Fortescue, the W.D.P.G.M. Br. Huish, were drankwith enthusiasm. " Speedy relief to all distressing brethren around the globe " wasdrunk with much feeling and in silence. Br. Foulds, S.W., proposed the health ofthe W.M., in doing so, he alluded to the urbanity, kindness, and gentlemanly feelingsof Br. Gambell, which had entitled him to, and won for him the respect and esteem ofthe Lodge. Br. Gambell, in returning thanks, said that the kindly expressions which hadbeen evinced by the Brethren, would prompt him to further efforts for their comfort andencourage him in the duties of his off ice. The heal th of the S.W., Br. Foulds, thpJ.W., Br. Julian , the Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Officers were duly honoured.Br. Marshall, P.M., in a very eloquent speech, proposed the health and happiness ofthe newly initiated Brother, and expatiated upon the many beauties of our gloriousOrder , concluding by presenting him with a Masonic glass, that when Br. Warreshould plough the trackless deep, to distant climes, he might have wherewith torecall to his mind his parent Lodge. Br. Warre replied that being but newlyinitiated, he could scarcely express his feelings on that occasion ; from the proceedings of the evening, he congratulated himself on having become a Mason, and thankedthe brethren for having admitted him, and for the handsome manner in which hisname had been received. A very pleasant evening was spent , and the brethrenretired early. Some of the Members proposed on St. John's day, presenting Br.Pollard with a mark of esteem.

LODGE OF FORTITUDE , STOREHOUSE (No. 122).—The Lodge met at 7 p.m., onthe 13th inst., when Br. Phillips most abl y raised Br. C. Dyer to the sublime degreeof W.M. The Lodge being closed, the brethren retired to refreshment. After theusual toasts had been duly honoured, Br. P. M. Cale rose, and in a very neat speech ,proposed the health of the W.M., and congratulated the brethren on having, at last,after six years, got " the right man in the right place." The toast was received mostcordially, and when the cheers had subsided, the W.M. said, that having been placedby their kindness in Ms present position, he had endeavoured to do his duty to thebest of his ability, and was happy to think he had succeeded to the satisfaction of thebrethren, and that , when he vacated that chair, he should not consider his labourfinished , but strive if possible to increase the prosperity of 122, returning most sin-cerely their kind wishes, he sat down amidst loud plaudits from all parts of theroom.

LODGE OF CHARITY, PLYMOUTH (No. 270).—The brethren held their usual monthlymeeting on Tuesday, June 19th, owing probably to the distance at which many of themembers reside, the attendance was not so good as is desirable. The business of theevening consisted of passing Br. Dernu to the second degree, and was performed byBr. Pollard, P.M., of 83 and, P.P.G.T . of Devon, in his usual style of excellence andcorrectness, Br. Pollard, from his constant readiness to assist where his assistance is

required has richly earned the respect and esteem of the Brethren in this neighbour-hood , and, it is gratifying to add, that it is generally accorded to him. Lodge wasclosed (after some other routine business had been disposed of) at a very seasonablehour.

LODGE OF UNION, STARCROSS (NO. 650).—This lodge held its usual monthlymeeting, on Saturday, the 2nd inst.—In announcing the election of the W.M. ofthe above lodge, the name was accidentally spelt WilcocksoB instead of Wilcocks.

HERTFORDSHIRE.

CEREMONY OF LAYING THE FIRST STONE OF THE NEW CORNEXCHANGE, AT WATFORD.

(From the Special Reporter of tlie Masonic Mirror.)On Monday, the 18th of June, the brethren of the Hertfordshire Lodges met in

Grand Lodge, at the Freemasons' Hall, Watford, to celebrate the laying of the firststone of the New Corn Exchange. The weather was not very propitious. Thebrethren assembled at the Hall shortly after 1 o'clock, and proceeded to clothe, andafter the usual preliminaries the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in ample formby the R.W., Br. Wm. Stuart , Provincial Grand Master for Hertfordshire, assistedby the Present and Past Provincial Grand Officers of the province, the R.W. Br. White,Grand Secretary of England, several Provincial Grand Officers , Past Masters, andMasters and Brethren of the London Lodges. The Provincial Grand Master statedfrom the chair, the reason of the goodly assemblage of the brethren of the MysticTie being called together, and dilated upon the forthcoming ceremony, &c, &c.Grand Lodge having been closed, a procession was formed , and the various workingtools, ashlers, the golden cornucopia and ewers (kindly lent for the occasion by theUnited Grand Lodge of England), the volume of the Sacred Law, Book of Con-stitutions, silver trowel, &c„ being placed on handsome velvet cushions were given tothe proper officers by the Provin cial Gran d Director of the Ceremonies, Br. Howe,assisted by Br. George Lambert, P.M. and D.C. of the Percy Lodge, No. 234, ac-cording to the directions laid down in the Book of Constitution. All being ready, theprocession moved from the Hall, through the town in the following order toWatford Old Church :—

Provincial Grand Tyler, bearing the Grand Banner of the Province.Shareholders in the Watford Corn Exchange Company.

Directors .Chairman of Committee.

Visiting brethren of Country Lodges..Visiting brethren of London Lodges.

Rough Ashler, carried on a white velvet cushion, by a Br. Master Mason.Working tools carried on a blue and white velvet cushion, by Br. M. Dennison, No. 19.Smooth Ashler, carried on a blue velvet cushion, by a Br. of the Watford Lodgo,

Master and Wardens of the Watford Lodge.Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works.

The Architect (Mr. Murray).Past Provincial Grand Officer , bearing the Ewer of Oil,Past Provincial Grand Officer , bearing the Cornucopia.

Past Provincial Grand Officer , bearing the Ewer of Wine.Provincial Grand Secretary, Br. John Sedgwick, bearing the Book of Constitutions, on

purple velvet cushion.Provincial Grand Treasurer.

Two Master Masons, bearing the columns of the Prov. G.S.W., and P.G.I.W,Volume of the Sacred Law, carried by a past Provincial Grand Officer , on crimson

velvet cushion.The Rev. R.W. Br. Owen, Prov. Grand Chaplain, for Leicestershire and Surrey.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master,

Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.The Rt. W. Prov. Grand Master, Br. Wm. Stuart.

Prov. Grand Stewards, and Stewards of the day, &c, &c.On arriving at the Church, the brethren were told off into pairs on the left side of

the Church, which were specially for the use of the Grand Lodge, and were each sup-plied with a printed copy of the Anthems to be sung on the occasion.

Among the company present at the Church, we noticed the new Vicar, who haslately succeeded to the parish (on the demise of the late Hon. and Rev. Wm. Capel) ,Br. White, Grand Seeretary of England ; Wm. Stuart, Esq., P.G.M. Herts ; his son,Br. Capt. Stuart, M.P., S.G.W. of England ; C. W. Moore, Esq. ; T. Rogers, Esq.,Mr. Alderman Copeland , Br. Bywater, P.M., No. 19; Br. Dr. Kent, the highlyrespected P.G.M. for South Australia ; Br. Wm. Pullen, D.P.G.M. for Hants ;— Francis, Esq. ; Br. Burchill Heme, P.G.D., Herts ; Br John Mott ThearleP.G.S.B. for Herts ; Br- A. L. Bellinger, W.M., No. 82; Br. Dr. Prith, of Cal-cutta ; Br. Byranson, No. 19; Br. Francis Lambert, P.M., No. 234, whom wegladly hail again with the distinguishing badge of a Mason ; Br. Barfiel d, Brs.,Tootal, Edgemore, and Johnston, from the Lodge at King's Langley, &c., &c.

Here we may perhaps be permitted to state the extreme gratification we felt atseeing the Sacred Edifice filled by so many of the ladies and gentlemen of thecounty, and the inhabitants of the town , and at the same time we deeply regret theconfusion which took place at the entrance of the Church, by some noisy spectatorsanxious to be present, and the doors were obliged to be forcibly closed by the policeconstables in attendance, to whom too much praise cannot be offered for their assist-ance and great forbearance. Order having been restored, the doors of the Churchwere thrown wide open, and the more respectable portion gladly availed themselvesof this opportunity to hear the impressive service. Evening prayers were admirablyread by his Reverence, the Curate of Watford , and an excellent sermon was preachedby the R.W. the Prov. Grand Chaplain for Surrey, Br. Owen. The Rev. gentleman,who is an excellent orator, and preached extemporaneously, took his text from the124th Psalm, verses 1, 2, and 3, Bible version. The discourse was admirable, andwas listened to with the greatest attention. The Anthems, " Comfort ye my people,"Handel—and " Surely I will build Him an house,"—Boyce—were beautifully sungby Brs. Donald, King, and Lawler, Mr. Montem Smith, and Mr. Dawson. Servicebeing over, the public left the Church, and the procession reformed and proceeded,despite a pelting shower, through the . town to the area in which the stone wasplaced. The Masonic Body were accommodated on a platform, and a temporarygallery was erected for the use of the ladies, gentry and others, who were providedwith tickets.

The rain now descended in torrents, and detracted much from the ceremony. TheArchitect, Mr. Murray, whose design was chosen out of 23 which were sent in to theBuilding Committee, presented the working drawings and plan to the Rt.W. ProvincialGrand Master, who inspected them, and complimented Mr. Murray on his success.The Contractor then presented the silver trowel, and the foreman of the works helda handsome silver dish, on which the cement was ready guaged. The Provincial GrandMaster, in a most workmanlike and Masonic style, which showed that he was no noviceat his duty, proceeded to cement the edges of the stone. The Prov. Grand Directorof Ceremonies, then read by the P.G.M's. desire, a parchment scroll, which was thenput into the bottle together with the various coins of the realm, a programme of theproceedings of the day, and a copy of the anthems sung in the Church ; the bottle wasthen hermetically sealed, deposited in the cavity of the stone, imbedded in pitch, andthe upper part of the stone placed upon it. The mass was then deposited in thefoundation of the building in its proper place, the Prov. Grand Wardens tested itsaccuracy with the Level, Plumb and Square, and the Prov. Grand Master struck itwith bis gavel secundum artem Latomorum, declaring that it was properly laid. Cornoil and wine were then scattered on the stone, and the Prov. Grand Chaplain, theR.W. Br. Owen, pronounced a most impressive short address. All the proceedingswere admirably carried out and witnessed by numerous spectators who thronged theunfinished sides of the buildings adjacent , and every available vacant space where a

view of the ceremony could be obtained. At the conclusion of the ceremony, theprocession returned to the Hall, aud the brethren , shareholders and visitors sat downto an elegantly prepared cold collation, consisting of every delicacy of the season.

The R.W.P.G.M., Wm. Stuart, E q., in the chair.After dinner " Benedictus " (reading) was sung by Brs. Donald King, Lawler, and

Me-isrs. Montem Smith and Dawson.The R.W.P.G.M then rose, and proposed the first toast, "The Queen."" The National Anthem."Toast, " Prince Albert, Albert, Prince of Wales," &c, &c.Ode, " Hail to thee, Albert," (J. W. Hobbs).Toast, " The Allied Armies and Navies." Acknowledged Capt. Kelly.Song, " The Queen's Letter." (Hobbs).The R.W.P.G.D. then proposed "The health of the Grand Officers ," coupling with

the toast, the name of Br. White, G.S.Br. White briefly returned thanks for the honour. He, and his brother officers ,

had come down solely because they considered it to be their duty to render all theassistance in their power, in the cause of Freemasonry; especially in promoting solaudable an undertaking as the present. He had the pleasure of looking back througha long term of years, during which he had always had the welfare of Masonry atheart.

Glee, " If to morro w may dawn."F. Fellowes, Esq., then rose to propose a toast which he considered to be of the

greatest importance. They had met that day to perform an important and impressiveceremony. He could well recollect the public celebration of the Battle of Waterloo,and the excitement consequent thereon. Forty years had since rolled on, and he feltit to be not only his own wish, but the wish of all whom he had the pleasure toaddress, that the New Corn Exchange might be as productive of happiness and pros-perity to the district of Watford, as the long peace had been to the nation at large.He had had the pleasure of being connected for thirty years with a family of theneighbourhood , whose sire (now no more), had always endeavoured, through a longlife, to do good to the town. He was, therefore, well able to appreciate the labours ofthose gentlemen whose exertions had so far t

Lbeen attended with success—a successwhich, he hoped, would continue to the end. Without further preface, he would askthem to be upstanding, to drink to " The health of the Directors of the WatfordCorn Exchange , and the Promoters of the Town Improvement Company."

Mr. Escourt , as Chairman of the Directors, felt that they were deeply indebted tothe visitors for their kind att endance, more especially to the Freemasons, for theassiduity they had displayed in carry ing out their impressive ceremonies, although theweather bad, unfortunately, been so unpro pitious. It was when he witnessed somuch unanimity aud good feeling in the brotherhood , that he wished he had been aMason himself. The importance of a Corn Exchange could not be too highly rated,not only for the advantages it would offer as a place of resort for all the leading menof the county, but also on account of the publicity of its transactions, showing to thepoor of their neighbourhood , that there were no combinations between millers andgrowers to keep up high prices , but that all their transactions were fair and open.Nothing more seriously affected the real interests of the nation at large than theprice of corn—(hear). It influenced their tithes, their rent charges, their wages, andeverything which they consumed ; and he had no hesitation in saying that, the futureimportance of the town of Watford would, in a great measure, depend upon the suc-cess of their New Exchan ge. On behalf of the Directors he begged to thank themfor their good wishes fir the future success of their undertaking. The skill of theirchairman in placing the stone in its present position must have been admired by allwho, perhaps, had a better opportunity of witnessing it than he had ; for his ownpart, unhapp ily, the umbrellas prevented him seeing much, but what he did see, wascertainl y most gratifying. However much Mr. Stuart might be admired bv hisbrother Masons as their P.G.M., he could assure those who were visitors on the pre-sent-occasion, that as a good and kind neighbour he stood second to no one, for no manmore truly deserved the admiration of his townsmen. He therefore begged to pro-pose " The health of the Chairman "—(applause).

Song, " lam a roamer bold ancl gay."The R.W.P.G.M., in returning thanks, said that without alluding to the circum-

stances which first brought him into their neighbourhood, he felt bound to state thathaving resided there for upwards of 34 years, he had always received the greatestkindness from his townsmen. He regretted that the weather had been so unfavour-able, as bad it been finer, probably the last speaker, having less cause to complain ofumbrellas, might have had even a greater inducement to become a Freemason. Hecould only assure him that he should have very great pleasure to admit him into theOrder, and he hoped he would afford him that pleasure very soon.

Glee, " Maying."Mr. Ward rose to propose the next toast. It seldom fell to his lot to propose a

toast ?n the presence of such a very brilliant assembly, especially of ladies ; however,he would not shrink from the pleasing task which the committee had set him. Hehad great pleasure in proposing " The health of the Clergy of the Province." Hefelt sure they must all have been not only gratified , but delighted , with the feelingand appropriate discourse delivered by Mr Owen, Prov.G. Chaplain .for Surrey, intheir old church. The eloquent manner in which he bad treated on the varioustopics in his sermon, but more particularly his allusions to the miseries of war, andthe blessings of peace, were such as could not have failed to reach the hearts of allwho were so fortunate as to hear him. The people of Watford had the greatestrespect for their Clergy, and a very large proportion of them felt, that so long as areligious feeling actuated them in their business, they were in a sure way to prosper.He concluded by proposing, " The Clergy of the Province," coupling with it the nameof "The Rev. Mr. Owen ."

Mr. Owen returned thanks for the compliment by observing that, no one couldimagine how unfortunate it was to have what was commonly called " the gift of thegab." He was always expected to make a speech, although the subject might be avery meagre one indeed. He had a very great admiration for Freemasonry, for asmuch as he had seen of the world, and as much as he was acquainted with humannature, and its prejudices , yet he was bound to say that Freemasonry was the onlyreal antidote he had been able to find for selfishness—(app lause) . That, however mencraved after gold and silver, and in proportion as the country increased in wealth, soMasonry kept pace with it, and as one advanced , so did the other. For wealth wasnot always a sign of success. Suddenly acquired wealth too often led to sudden ruin.When unforeseen misfortunes came upon a Mason, wherever he might be, there wasthe hand of the Brotherhood ever ready to afford him succour. It was this centralisa-tion of system t hat rendered Freemasonry so worthy of its professions. Of what usewould be fifty of the best five engines ever made, if they were at Exeter when a firebroke out in the Seven Dials ? Masonry on the contrary, was centralisation, both intheory and in practice ; in a word, it was the perfect union of Brotherly Love, Relief ,aud Truth. In Masonry all might meet who acknowledged the existence of that myste-rious and all-powerful Deity, who is the Creator and Governor of all. The more hewas acquainted with Freemasonry, the more certainly he could affirm that he neverknew a bad Mason who was a good man.

The Rev. Mr. James, Vicar of Watford , briefl y expressed his thanks. He con-fessed he was not a Mason, but he was glad to find , that on these occasions he couldmix with Masons, who devoted their first acts, as Christians, to God, and on thatalone he must ever hold Freemasonry in the highest respect.

Song, " Annie Laurie."Mr. Wm. Sedgwick proposed as the next toast, " The Trustees of the Corn

Exchange." He assured the Company that it was from no wish to make a profit ofthe undertaking, but solely for the good of the town and district that they had in thefi rst instance promoted it. He fully agreed'.with a former speaker, that success wouldbest be attained by carry ing religion into the business of every day life ; not to crama Bible-text constantly into the ear of one's customer, but to practise charity to one'sneighbour, and to leaven our whole daily affairs of life with the spirit of religion. Inasking them to do honour to the toast, he could assure them that, but for theuntiring energies of the trustees, but particularly the Messrs. Clutterbuck, they

would never have met as they had done that day to lay the first stone of their newCora Exchange.

The toast, was acknowledged by Mr. Robert Clutterbuck.Song, "The Flaxen-headed Ploughboy."Br. Burchell Heme then proposed, "The health of Br. John Sedgwick, P.G.S., and

Secretary of the new Corn Exchange," highly eulogising his indefatigable services.Br. John Sedgwick, in acknowledging the compliment, expressed Ms conviction

that he was utterly undeserving the flattering enconiums , which had been passedupon him. In fact, their kind remarks would have been far more appropriate, hadthey been applied to those gentlemen who had helped him. When he looked roundhim in the world, and perceived the many schisms which divided its communities inevery direction, he turned to Masonry with delight, for like an oasis in the desert, itwas delightful to look upon, and united all who assembled under its banners in onecommon Brotherhood. He begged again to thank them for all their good wishes, andwould endeavour to do his duty—although very unprofessionally —without charge.

Fourth part song, " I know a maiden fair to see."The R.W.P.G.M. gave the next toast, "The Brothers who assisted at the ceremony."Br. Howe, Dir. of Ceremonies, in acknowledging the toast, said that the Free-

masons of London had come down simply to do that which was their bounden duty—to assist their brothers in performingthe important ceremony of the day. Perceivingthat there were many present who were not members of the Fraternity, he wouldtake the opportunity of briefl y explaining to them what in fact the principles ofFreemasonry really were. Much had been said of then- charity. He could tell themthat Freemasons carried out their charity on three great principles—viz., to renderassistance in infancy, poverty, and old age. For the children of Masons, they hadtwo most excellent schools. For poverty, they monthly dispensed their bounty witha liberal hand to distressed Masons, without calling their creed or country intoquestion. For old age, they had annuities and asylums for male and female. Allth ese were accessible without difficulty to worthy applicants. As regarded theirreligious observances, he could assure them, that they transacted no business withoutthe Sacred Volume unfolded , being before them. The first act in Lodge was to openit, the last was to close it. They had sometimes been censured for feasting, but hefelt he might appeal with confidence to the people of England on that point, whetherthey ever met to transact any business of more than usual importance, without havingrefreshment of some kind suitable to the station and feelings of the company ; whetherit be the fashionable dejeuner a la fourchette, the more substantial dinner, or thesober meal of the beverage which

' Cheers, but not inebriates,"usually denominated a " tea-meeting." Surely, then, that which was accepted as asalutary custom around, ought not to be denied to the Freemasons, who were accus-tomed temperately to use, but not abuse, the bounties of Providence.

Ballad, " An honest heart to guide us."Br. J. Sedgwick proposed as the next toast, " The health of Mr. Murray, the

architect."Mr. Murray very briefl y returned thanks.Mr. Alderman Copeland, who was received with considerable applause, begged to

be pardoned for ventuiing to propose the next toast, for although he was nut aMason, yet having two sons who were M asons—one in India and the other in England—he almost felt himself to be one of them. He was well aware that the Order wasestablished in the most distan t lands, but it was not at all surprising, seeing that theobject they had in view was that which all must admire—Brotherly Love andChristian Charity—(Hear, hear). It was these sentiments which made him frequen tlywish he was a Mason. He trusted that the new undertaking, so successfully com-menced, might be as successfully brought to completion, and always prosper. Theyall knew that joint stock companies were one day at a discount, and another dayat a premium, but in these matters they could onl y look for honesty of purpose inthose who had come forward to carry out the wishes of the shareholders. But, as

nonest directors were useless without shareholders, and as he was sure the surround-ing gentry would do all in their power for the lasting prosperity of the town, hehad peculiar pleasure in proposing as the next toast, " The Shareholders."

Catch, "Would you know my Celia's charms."T. W. Blagg, Esq., responded to the toast.After some other toasts had been proposed, and duly honoured,The Chairman proposed " The Ladies," and called upon Br. John Sedgwick, who

acquitted himself of the task in a truly Masonic manner.The Rev. Lee James proposed, " The workmen," in a most feeling speech

—(cheers.)The Chairman now vacated his post of honour, and the London brethren returned

to town, highly pleased with the ceremonies and festivities of the day, enhanced asthey had been by the efficient exertions of the vocalists.

KENT.

PR OVINCIAL GRAND LODGE.(From the Special Reporter of the Masonic Mirror.)

A Provincial Grand Lodge was summoned to meet at Dover, on the 18th inst.,fa y the Provincial Grand Master, Br. I'urton Cooper, Q.C. The meetingwas fixed to take place in the Town Hall, which was elegantly decorated for theoccasion. The gothic form, aud geometric traceryof the windows, combined with thelofty roof and wide proportions of the hall, matched most harmoniously with thetraditions and symbols of Freemasonry, to say nothing of the rich clothing andcharacteristic badges of the Worshi pful Master and the brethren. It was a scenewhich might have suggested to the fanciful spectator a council of some of the religiousorders of chivalry, habited in the robes of peace, but exhibiting the valour-won marksof distinction conferred by kings and princes.

The proceedings were commenced by the opening of the Dover Lodge of Peace andHarmony,(No. 235), the W.M., Br. Gardiner, presiding. The M.W.P.G.M. was thenintroduced, and the G. Lodge duly opened.

The P.G.M. assured the brethren that it gave him great pleasure to meet them inthat noble hall. He trusted that the meeting of G. L. in Dover, would tend to theextension of the Craft in the province, in which he was happy to say it was highlyflourishing; and he trusted this might not be the last time ho should have thehonour of presiding over the brethren in that hall.

The minutes of the last G. Lodge having been road and confirmed , Br. W. Saunders,of Lod ge No. 20, was unanimously elected Treasurer for the ensuing year.

On the application of Br. Boys, P.P.G.S.W., a dispensation was granted to theChatham Lodge to enable it to initiate a youth of 19, who is about to proceed to theEast in the service of his country ; the P.G.M. observing that, as a general rule, heobjected to such dispensations, but, as the young man might probabl y not otherwisehave the opportunity of being initiated for many years, if ever, he had great pleasurein acceding to the request on the present occasion.

The W.M. next proceeded to appoint and invest the General Officers for the ensuingyear as follows :—Br. F.L. Southgate W.M ., 91 ; S.G. Warden, Saul Isaacs, P.M., 20;J.G.W. Rev. David Jones, G. Chap.; William Saunders, P.M., 20; G. Treas., H.A.Clarke, W.M., 34; G. Regis., Chas. Isaacs, P.M., 20 ; G. Sec, S. L. Townsend,P.M., 184; S.G. Dean, Robert Pearson , P.M., 741 ; J.G.D. M'Carth y Stephenson,P.M., 216; G.S. of Wks., J. Poussett, P.M., 149 ; G.D. of Cers., 0. G. Phipps,P.M., 149 ; G. Organst., J. Green , P.M., 376; G. Sword Bearer, Thos. Havdiman,P.M., 184 ; G. Pursuivants , J. Marrable , G. Tylor. Stewards:—R. Duke, 235 ;Wm. Prescott, 235; T. Brivean , 709 ; Jos. Whithall , W.M, 184; H, Sawyer , 621;R. Watson, J.D., 91.

The Brethren were then marshalled into procession to proceed to church in thefollowing order:—

Police Officers.Band of Music.

Two Tylers.Visiting Brethren—Two and Two.

Sandgate—Banner of the St. John and St. Paul Lodge, No. 898.Ty ler of 898.

Members of the St. John and St. Paul Lodge—Two and Two.Senior Deacon. Junior Deacon.

Treasurer. Secretary.Senior AVarden. Junior Warden.

Past Masters.Worshi pful Master.

Folkestone—Banner and Brethren of the Temple Lodge, No. SIC.Maidstone—Banner and Brethren of the Belvidere Lodge, No. 741.Gravesend—Banner and Brethren of the Lodge of Sympath y, No. 709.Ramsgate—Banner and Brethren of the Roya l Navy Lodge, No. 621.Dartford —Banner and Brethren of the Lodge of Emulation , No. 376.Chatham—Banner and Brethren of the United Chatham Lodge of Benevolence.

No. 216.Shccrness—Banner and Brethren of Adam's Lodge, No. 181.Faversham—Banner and Brethren of the Lodge of Harmony , No. 155.Margate—Banner and Brethren of the Union Lodge, No. 149.Hythe—Banner and Brethren of the Prince Edwin 's Lodge, No. 147.Gravesend—Banner and Brethren of the Lodge of Freedom, No. 91.Canterbury—Banner and Brethren of the United Industrious Lodge, No. 31.Chatham—Banner and Brethren of the Royal Kent Lodge of Antiquity, No. 20.Dcver—Banner and Brethren of the Lodge of Peace and Harmony, No. 235

VISITORS.Provincial | The Banner of the Provincial Gran d Lodge, | Provincial

Grand Steward, j carried by a Master Mason. j Grand StewardThe Provincial Grand Pursuivant.The Provincial Grand Organist.

Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearers.Past Provincial Grand Superintendents of Works.The Provinci al Grand Superintendent of Works.Past Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

Past Provincial Grand Deacons.The Provincial Grand Secretary with Book of Constitutions.

Past Provincial Grand Registrars.The Provincial Grand Registrar.The Provincial Grand Treasurer.

The Past Provincial Grand Wardens.The Corinthian Light, borne by a Master Mason.

The Column of Junior Provincial Grand Warden , borne by a Master Mason.The Provincial Junior Grand Warden with Plumb Rule.

The Doric Light , borne by a Master Mason., The Column of the Senior Provincial Grand Warden , borne by a Master Mason.

The Senior Provincial Grand Warden with the Level.The Junior Provincial Grand Deacon.

Provincial The Provincial Grand Chaplain with the Volume J ProvincialGrand Steward . of the Sacred Law. j Grand Steward.

Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master.The Ionic Light, borne by a Master Mason.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master with the Square.A Past Master, bearing the Mallet of the R.W. Provincial Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.

The R.W. Provincial Grand Master.The Senior Provincial Grand Deacon.

Two Provincial Grand Stewards .Provincial Grand Tyler.

The procession having been formed, it was marched through all the princi pal streetsof Dover, to Trinity Church—the hand playing the '/'Entered Apprentice's Song,"—and the bells of the town ringing merry peals. On arriving at the sacred edifice, thebrethren occupied the seats on the floor, while the galleries above were densely crowdedby well-dressed ladies. Evening prayer was read by the Rev. J. Smith, incumbent,and the sermon was preached by the Rev. D. Jones (who has for many years held theoffice of P.G.C.) from Gen. i. 31, " God saw everything that He had made, and be-hold it was very good."

At the conclusion of an eloquent and impressive sermon a collection was - made inaid of the local and Masonic Charities.

The brethren, on leaving church, returned again in procession, amidst crowds ofcurious spectators , to the Town Hall, when the Grand Lodge was again duly formed.After tho usual business, votes of thanks were unanimously given to the Mayor for theuse of the hall ; to the incumben t of Trinity Church, for his kindness in placing hischurch at their service and reading the prayers ; ancl to the Rev. D. Jones, G.C., forthe able and interesting discourse he had delivered.

Br. Hervey Boys, P.G.S.W., then proposed , in an eloquent and eulogistic speech,a vote of thanks to the P.G.M., which was passed with great enthusiasm.

The R.W.G.M., in acknowledging the compliment, said, he little imagined when hewas appointed G.M. for Kent that we were on the eve of a war, and that thereby so manyimportant duties would be thrown upon the Freemasons of the province. He had justgranted a dispensation tor the initiation of a youn g soldier, 19 years of age, proceedingto the seat of war, the rules of the Order prescribing the age of 21 as a condition foradmission into the Order; but it would have been cruel to deprive this gallant youngfellow of those benefi ts which so many members of both professions had received fromFreemasonry during the present sanguinary struggle in the Crimea. There were, herejoiced to see, many Russians who were Freemasons, and who, the moment the swordwas sheathed, had exhibited the most praiseworthy zeal to exercise that noblest of allvirtues, the gift of charity; and to acknowledge and succour Brother Freemasons,although Englishmen and enemies, when wounded and captured , needing the solace ofsympath y ancl the more material aids of medical and physical assistance. Initiationinto Freemasonry gave, as it were , to the recipient, a letter of introduction into everypart of the world—(hear). But Freemasonry had other advantages, and amongstthese he recollected once hearing Lord Londesborough, a distinguished Freemason ,say that it gave him an opportunity of mixing with the classes which were below himas a peer of the realm in the scale of society, without being branded with the stigma ofa popularity hunter. Freemasonry was an institution which tended to bring all ranksof Her Majesty's subjects together , and to make them acquainted with the good quali-ties of each other, and it ought, therefore, to be fostered by every government. Itachieved a degree of equality which tho Saturnalia of the Romans, instituted for thatpurpose, failed to accomplish ; for , excepting the hi gher honours of the Craft , awardedto the most meritorious, all were brethren and all were equal.

The Grand Lodge was then closed in clue form.At 4 o'clock the brethren re-assembled at the Royal Oak Hotel , where a very excel-

lent dinner had been provided for their refection by Br. S. Philpott. The chair wastaken by the P.G.M., who was supported by the various G. Officers already enume-rated.

Br. Ashley, P.P.D.G.M.; Br. G. P. de Rho Philipe, P.G.S.B. of England ; Br.WTatson, P.G. St. of England ; Br. Else, P.G. St. of England ; Br. II. G. Warren ,G. St. of England , and P.M. 202 ; Br. Henry Shelton, P.M. 349, and P.P.G.O. ofWorcestershire ; Br. Col. Cator, of Phoenix Lodge, Portsmouth ; Br.Lieut. Malcolm,W.M. 460, and P.G.S.D. of Oxon ; Br. H. Boys, P.P.G.S.W.; Br. E. A. Quait,P.P.G.P. ; Br. Keddle, P.P.G.S.W. ; Br. Campbell, P.P.G.S.W. ; Br. Fielder,

P.P.G.R. ; Br. Jones, P.P.G.J.W. ; Br. Cruttendcn, P.P.G.JR. ; Br. C. Philpott,P.P.G.J.D. ; Br. Sargeant, P.P.G.S.D. ; Br. Cruttenden, juu., P.P.G.S.B.; Br.Gardner, W.M. 34 ; Br. Day, W.M. 741 ; Br. Mumi, W.M. 376; and above 150other brethren.

Grace was said before and after dinner by the Rev. Chaplain of the Order, and thecloth being withdrawn ,

The R. W.P.G.M. remarked, in proposing thefirst toast, that loyalty was the particularcharacteristic of Freemasonry. To whatever country they belonged, whether it wasgoverned by a despotism, a republic, or a constitutional monarchy, such as that it wasthen happiness to live under, attachment to that government, and unwillingness tointerfere with anything constituted by the laws of the land, would be found to markthe conduct of all true Freemasons—(cheers.) In this country, they had the goodfortune, from an early period to find the sovereign friendly to their institution. With-out going back to any very remote antiquity, he might mention that Frederick, Princeof Wales, in the reign of Goo. II., the great grandfather of our Queen, was anexcellent Freemason, and all Ms brothers, her great uncles, the Dukes of Cambridge,York, and Gloucester of that day. Coining down to later periods, her Majesty'suncles (with one exception), Geo. IV., Wm. IV., the King of Hanover, and her ownroyal father, the Duke of Kent, were all distinguished Freemasons—(cheers.) HerMajesty, he knew, was most favourable to the Craft , and nothing but her sex pre-vented her from being a Mason—(cheers.) They knew quite well that it was by amere accident that Prince Albert was not a Freemason; the death of another of theQueen's uncles, the late Duke of Sussex, one of the greatest benefactors of Free-masonry the Craft had ever had in this country, having occurred just at the time thePrince was to have been initiated. He thought then that he might venture to affirmthat the Prince of Wales and all his royal brothers would become Freemasons in duetime—(cheers.) They would , therefore, drink with enthusiasm the health of herMajesty, who was tlie daughter, the granddaughter, the niece, and the grandniece ofso many distinguished Masons—(cheers.)

"The Queen and the Craft " was then drunk with Masonic honours, and "TheNational Anthem" played by the band.

The R.W.P.G.M , said that he had now to propose a toast which was somewhatunusual at a Masonic Meeting, but he trusted he should not meet with censure uponthat account, but, should he do so, he was prepared to take all the responsibility uponhimself, althoug h the toast had been suggested to him by his friends. The men ofKent had ahvays been distinguished for their courage, and had always been ready, asfrom the position of the country they would have been the first in case of invasion tomeet those who, until latterly, had been accustomed to look upon them as naturalenemies ; but he knew no men who rejoiced more at the close and intimate alliancewhich now existed between this country and France—(loud cheers.) It was becausethe men of Kent bad won for themselves the reputation of bravery and courage, thatthey could thus rejoice ; and feeling himself iu the proud position of presiding overthe Freemasons of that province which was nearest to the shores of France, and cele-brating tlie festival of that day in the town nearest to the coast of France ; and which,therefore, in a state of warfare with France, would be the first to meet and defy herlegions, he could not avoid , under the more auspicious circumstances (and, indeed, hedid it with the greatest of pleasure) proposing the health of the Emperor of theFrench—(cheers), and ho supposed he might add to that the Empress—(cheers, andcries of Oh, yes—she's the wife of a Mason I) Yes, the Emperor was a member ofthe Craft, and he would, therefore, give them was " The health of the Emperor andEmpress of the French."—(cheers.)

The toast was drunk with the Kentish fire, the band playing " Partant pour la.Syrie."

The R. W.P.G.M. said the next toast he had to propose was, "The health of the Rt.Hon. the Earl of Zetland, M.W., P.G.M. of England." Without enlarging on the meritsof the Earl of Zetland, as a man and a Mason, as he knew they all felt towards him thedeepest respect, he would mention as a proof of the success which had at tendedthe Craft during the ten years his lordship had held his present high office , that when

he first became G.M. of England, there were but 720 Lodges, and now they num-bered upwards of 1,000. There had also been a corresponding increase in the numberof members, who now could be counted by thousands where formerly there were onlyhundreds—(cheers.)

The toast was drunk with Masonic honours.The P.G.M. said that, having already had the hardihood to depart from the usual

routine of toasts, he felt inclined to stray a little farther—(cheers, and laughter.)Freemasonry was a pacifi c institution, but when they saw a friend in dangoi from theattack of an unmuzzled bear, it was their duty to protect him if possible. Englandwas now in this position, and the present war had made them all feel how much wewere indebted to the bravery of our army and navy abroad for our present unmolestedand peaceful enjoyments at home—(cheers). He had near and dear relations in bothservices. His son-in-law, who usually lived with him , was now in the Sea of Azoff ,on board the Hannibal, and his grandson , a French viconte , was serving with theFrench army before Sebastopol, and he had family traditions too of the last war; for , afirst cousin of his, the only son of General Comte de Duhesne, was killed 37 years agothat day, at the battle of Waterloo. He might therefore be excused if he gave " TheArmy and Navy," even if the presence, on that occasion of two officers of her Majesty'sService, one of whom, at least, was a distinguished Mason, had not suggested thetoast—(cheers.) He concluded by coupling with the toast the name of ColonelCator—(loud cheers.)

The toast was drunk with Masonic honours.Colonel Cator, in responding to the toast, said it was 20 years that day since he had

the honour of receiving her Majesty's commission , and he supposed it must be a goodaugury that on the anniversary of that day, and in such a company, he should now,for the first time, be called on to return thanks for " The Army." Although the armyhad been, called into active service after a. forty years' peace, every one knew that ithad never distinguished itself more than in the Crimea—(cheers ) It was due to thegallantry and devotion of both services, and their sufferings in the arduous campaignthey had gone through, that no terms of peace should be accepted but such as fullysatisfied the honour of England , and secured the objects of the war—(cheers.)

The P.G.M. has now to propose a truly Masonic toast, and one which wouldrequire from him very few words to recommend it to their notice—it being " The healthof the R.W.D.G.M., the Earl of Yarborough, and the Past and Present G. Officers."He was glad to see that one of the most distinguished members of the Dover Lodgehad been honoured by the G.M., with office in the G. Lodge, and he shouldtherefore have great pleasure in coupling the name of Br. Philipe, P.G.S.B., withthe toast.

The toast having been drunk with Masonic honours,Br. G. P. De Rhe Phili pe responded to the compliment. Although he acknow-

ledged with gratitude the high honour of having been entrusted with an office in theGrand Lodge of England , he felt considerable pride also at his connection with theDover Lodge, which he had been instrumen tal a great many years ago in resuscitating.Its numbers then were very limited indeed , but by a little exertion and the friendlyco-operation of the brethren, he was enabled once more to raise its members to some-thing like a respectable muster ; and it gave him the greatest satisfaction now to seeso magnificent a meeting of Freemasons in Dover as that festival had brought together—(cheers). He had also the very high gratification of saying that his son was also aP.M. of the Dover Lodge—(great cheering). He concluded by some excellentremarks upon the Masonic Charities, and took that opportunity, when there wererepresentatives present from all the Lodges in Kent, to inculcate the policy and dutyof all assisting to obtain admissions to those charities for Kentish applicants.

Br. Ashley, P.D.Prov.G.M. , having been honoured by the Prov.G.M.'s permissionto propose a toast, would ask them to fill a bumper. In proposing " The health of theProv. G.M.," he was'fully aware that he had an easy task, for though that distinguishedbrother had been but a comparativel y short time amongst them, he had won theesteem and regard of all with whom he was brought into connection—(cheers). Hewas a gentlemen of great legal attainments, of literary and antiquarian research, and

of a kind and benevolent disposition—(cheers). And he believed that no brothertook a deeper interest in the prosperity of Masonry , and the more particularly asregarded its prosperity in the province of Kent—(cheers) .

The toast having been drunk with Masonic honours, the P.G.M. acknowledged thecompliment, and said that he did so with the greater pleasure, from the circumstancethat it had been prefaced in such kindly terms by his excellent Br. Ashley—(loudcheers.) The next toast he had to propose was one always received with applause,because it included a class of most meretorious brethren, without whose able assis-tance the working of the Grand Lodge could not attain any degree of perfection ; hemeant the newly-appointed Grand Officers—(cheers). They were all favourablyknown to the brethren and were, indeed, the selection of the brethren themselves—(cheers). Believing they were most worthy of the distinction conferred upon them,and that they were not to be surpassed as good practical Masons by any other pro-vince, he had had great pleasure in confirming these appointments ; he could neverhimself have made a better choice—(cheers) . He proposed their healths, and coupledwith the toast the S.G.W., Br. Souflsgate—(cheers).

Br. Southgate, P.G.S.W., in acknowledging tho toast , mentioned as an encourage-ing fact that the Gravesend Lodge, to which he belonged, had gone on steadil y increasingever since the Grand Lodge was held in that town, and he earnestly hoped that thismeeting would tend to further the cause of Masonry in Dover and generally all overthe province, and make it, if it were not so already, the strongest province in thekingdom—(cheers). At Gravesend they would have no difficulty in doubling theirmembers ; but they did not choose to open their doors indiscriminatel y to allcomers without reference to their qualifications to be admitted as members of theOrder—(hear). They rather sought to make brothers of men who would devote them-selves to the study of Masonry, and who did not seek admission to its secrets froman idle curiosity which bore no good fruits—(cheers).

The Prov. G.M. had now to propose a toast which he knew would be received withthe utmost favour by every member of tho Craft, be he a man of Kent, or a Kentishman—(cheers), as neither of them would ever forget, services rendered to them. Hebegged to propose to them "The P.G. Officers of the province," coupled with thename of their excellent friend, Br. Ashley—(loud and protracted cheers).

Br. Ashley begged to thank the R.W.G.M. for the very flattering manner in whichhe had proposed the toast, and the brethren for the equally flattering manner in whichthey had responded to it. He was sure the P.G. officers would highly esteem thecompliment paid to them, and for himself the brethren had so recently shown theirrespect for him by the publication of his portrait (a copy of which hung over thechair of the G.M.), he knew not how adequately to express his feelings. He hadalways endeavoured to do his duty, and would ever continue to the utmost of hispower to promote the interests of the Craft-

The R.W. the P.G.M. h aving apolog ised to the Brethren for having to leave themeeting, in consequence of having a long distance to go in returning to his home,the chair was taken by the P.D.G.M., Br. Ashley.

The P.D. Grand Master then gave, "The he'alth of the Worshipful Master andBrethren of the Dover Lodge (No. 235)," and th anks to them for the handsomemanner in which they had entertained the Grand Lodge and visiting brethren thatday—(cheers). Everything that could conduce to the convenience and comfort ofthe brethren had been provided , and he was delighted that all the arrangem ents hadbeen successful—(cheers). He concluded with good wishes for the success of theDover Lodge—(cheers).

Br. Gardiner, W.M., returned thanks, and expressed the pleasure he felt at hearingthe Grand Lodge and visiting brethren were satisfied with the arrangements made fortheir entertainment. Freemasonry was now prospering in Dover to a degree quiteunknown in past times, and he trusted that its healthful principles would spreadwith equal luxuriance throughout the province—(cheers).

The P.D. Grand Master then gave, " The health of the Mayor, and success to thetown and trade of Dover "—(cheers).

Br. Nazer, one of the deputation which had waited on the Mayor to request the

use of the Town Hall, retarned thanks, and mentioned the readiness with which hisrequest had been granted , as a proof that his Worship was well disposed towardsFreemasonry— (cheers).

The health of Br. Moses, who had been 51 years a Mason, was drunk, andresponded to by the aged veteran. " Br. Philpot, and thanks for his excellent enter-tainment," acknowledged by Br. Philpot; " The Ladies ;" and " To all poor distressedMasons throughout the world ," were amongst the other toasts drunk before theconclusion of this interesting festival.

The proceedings of the evening were enlivened by the excellent singing of Brs.Genge and Farquharson.

It would be doing an injustice to our own feelings, as well as to the brethren , werewe to omit the opportunity of expressing our acknowledgments—and we are sure wemay add, of the other visitors—for the courtesy and attention displayed towards us andthem, by Br. Chas. Isaacs, the P.G S., and Br. Pou-ssett, the P.D. of ceremmies,than whom no Brother could be found better qualified for the office.

UNITED INDUSTRIOUS LODGE, CANTERBURY (N O. 34).—The brethren of thisLodge met together on Thursday, June 14th , for the purpose of initiating five gentle-men into the order, and installing their Worshipful Master, Br. 11. A.Clarke, managerof the London ancl County Bank. The ceremonies were most ably performed underthe direction of Br. C. Isaacs, of Chatham, P.G.S., to whom the province is verydeeply indebted for the exertions he has made to extend a knowledge of the beautifulprinciples and ceremonies of the Order amongst the brethren. Among the gentlemeninitiated, who were all of the leading families, was Mr. Alderman Cooper. ThisLodge, which has been in abeyance for many years, now bids fair to be the firstLodge in the Province, and musters nearly thirty members. After the ceremony,the brethren sat down to an elegant supper provided for the occasion. After theusual Masonic toasts, the health of the newly initiated brethren was proposed, andresponded to by Brother Alderman Cooper, who stated he was much pleased in beingadmitted a member of this ancient and honourable society, and regretted he had notbecome one many years before : he hoped, however , to prove a worthy member of theCraft. The health of Brother Isaacs was proposed by the W.M., thanking him, inthe name of the Lodce, for the many services he had rendered them; as a proofof his desire to promote the interest of the Lodge, he had become a subscribingmember for the purpose of assisting them. Br. Isaacs returned thanks, and assuredthem he felt great pleasure in assisting to carry out the princi ples of the Order. Itwas with great pleasure he saw the Lodge making such progress, and installingthe Worship ful Master, Br. Clarke, whom he had known for many years. Amongthe visitors, was Br. Hartopp, of the 1st Royal Dragoons, who had lately returnedseverely wounded , from the Crimea, having been in the charge of cavalry at Balaklava.He returned thanks on behalf of the army and navy. The Brethren did not separateuntil a late hour, highly pleased with the proceedings of the day.

LANCASHIRE, WEST.PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE.

(From the Special Reporter of the Masonic Mirror. )The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge, for the transaction of the

usual business of the province , was held at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, on Tuesday,June 10th. The brethren assembled at ten o'clock in the forenoon, and, shortlyafterwards, the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form by Br. the Rev.Gilmore Robinson, R.W.D.P.G.M., in the absence of the P.G.M. Le GendreNicholas Starkie, Esq., of Huntroyd, who was prevented from attending by indisposi-tion. After the usual business of the province had been gone through in the harmonyand brotherly feeling which invariably characterises Freemason's Lodges, a Court ofGovernors of the W.L. Masonic Institutian for the education and advancement inlife of children of distressed Masons was held. The funds of this truly benevolentcharity have increased during the year, and the institution itself bids fair to be one of

the most prosperous connected with the Craft. We were glad to learn from whatpassed, that there is every prospect of a Masonic Hall being, at no distant day, erectedin Liverpool, wherein the various Lodges can hold their meetings, rather than at hotels,as at present, and that a disposition seems to be making progress in the minds of thebrethren that it is much more consonant with the principles of the Craft to devote thefunds of the Lodges to charitable and benevolent purposes rather than to the gratifUcation of the mere animal appetite.

At four o'clock, the brethren sat down to an excellent dinner, provided in the usualsumptuous manner, for which Br. Radley is so highly distinguished.

Br. the Rev. G. Robinson, D.P.G.M., occupied the throne, Br. J. Pen-in, P.S.G.W.,and Br. J. J. Banning, P.J.G.W.

The R.W.D.P.G.M. was supported on his right by Br. J. Walmsley, P.G.T., Br.A. Henderson, P.G.R., Br. F. J. Kilpin , P.G.D.W., Br. J. Eckersley, P.G.S.B., Br.Moss, P.P.G.J.W. for Gloucestershire, Br. H. C. Jeffrey, P.G.S.B., Br. J. B. Lambert,P.P.G.J.D. for East Lancashire; and on his left by Br. the Rev. W. A. Mocatta,P.G.C.,Br. Wylie, P.G.S., Br. J. Billingo, P.G.D. of C, Br. W. Davies, P.G.S.D., Br. J.Troughton, P.G.J.D., Br. H. Gambell, P.G.P., and Brs. Allpats, Hamer, Ireland,and Lucas, P.G. Stewards.

On the removal of the cloth, the R.W.D.P.G.M. rose and said , the first toast onthe list was not only of necessary consequence, but of personal gratification—thehealth of our beloved Sovereign—(applause) ; and he hoped that the blessing of theGrand Architect of the Universe would preside over all her proceedings for many years tocome, because most unquestionably no sovereign was more deservedly or better belovedthan our gracious Queen—(loud cheers). Since they last assembled portentousevents had occurred. Tho country was now engaged in a bloody war, during whichour brave troops had suffered distresses—distresses such as none but British troopswould have endured—(hear, hear). They were opposed to a country which was endea-vouring to establish a most undue authority and tyranny in the world. The war was,therefore, a most just one ; and he had no doubt of the ultimate results of it—(applause). But in connection with the Queen heretofore, in that room she hadbeen praised as a model of a wife, a mother, and a Queen . All those stations in lifeshe had filled most admirably; and he believed, if they looked at history, it wouldunquestionably be found that no other sovereign had acted the same part she had takenin personally visiting the sick and wounded—(continued cheers). This she had done,and the love and affection which she had shown towards the sick and wounded wasworthy of the commendation of all her subjects. He therefore gave " Her graciousMajesty the Queen , and may she long live to reign over us." The toast was drunkwith the usual loyal demonstrations, and followed by "God Save the Queen."' The R.W.P.G.M. next gave "The health of his Royal Highness Prince Albert,the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family"—(cheers).

Glee—"Queen of the Valley."The Chairman next gave the toast of the M.W., the G.M. of England, and in

doing so said, the able manner in which the noble Earl filled the duties of his highoffice not only endeared him to the G.L., hut also to the members of every Lodge inEngland—(applause). He was a most amiable nobleman , an excellent landlord , andhad on all occasions shown himself to be a devoted member of the Craft—(Masonichonours).

Glee—" Hail Happy Bleeting."The Chairman said if the next toast he was about to give had been the Army and

Navy he should have joine d with it the name of the Earl of Yarborough , seeing thathis lordship was a very celebrated commodore of a yacht club, which he believed wasnow very useful as forming a neuclus of some of the best seamen in the country—(hear, hear). His lordship, however, was known to them as a very good Mason, onewho had rendered essential service to the Craft, and no nobleman has Freemasonryso much at heart as the Earl of Yarborough. He had very great pleasure thereforein proposing his health as D.G.M. of England—(Masonic honours).

Glee—" Hail to the Craft."The Chairman said he approached the next toast with very great difficulty, because he

did not actually know how to express his opinions connected therewith. It was thehealth of the respected and esteemed G.M., of the province—(great applause). He hadfondly hoped to have seen him in the G.L. that day, but he was suffering very severelyfrom deafness; and this fact, together with the fact of his own health and that of somemembers of his family, no doub t, prevented his attendance—(hear). Any one at allacquainted with Br. Starkie could not fail to love him , because a more amiable or morecharitable man did not exist ; and besides that, he was one of the most perfect good-natured men upon earth—(applause). His urbanity and hospitality had renderedHuntroyd proverbial ; and he always appeared delighted to see a Freemason, and torender him all the assistance in his power. The health of the M.W. P. G.M. wasdrank with great enthusiasim.

Part Song—" The happiest land."The Chairman, after having passed a high and deserved eulogy on the two Noble-

men, one for his attainments as a warrior, and the other in literature, proposed thehealths of Lord Combermere and the Earl of Ellesmere, the P.G.M's. of Chesh ire andEast Lancashire.

Song by Br. Armstrong.. Br. S. Moss, P.P.J.G.W. of Gloucestershire and Cheshire, responded to the

toast, and in the course of Iris observations said, he considered that the prosperity ofMasonry in Cheshire was mainly owing to the exertions of Lord Combermere , andthe patronage bestowed on the Craft by his noble lady—(applause).

Br. Eckersley, as the oldest P.G. officer present, in complimentary terms proposedthe health of the R.W.D.P.G.M., observing that Masonry had prospered more underhis auspices in the province than during the past 20 years—(musical honours).

Glee—" Prosper the Art."• The Chairman responded, and concluded with proposing the health of the P.G.Chaplain.

Song by Br. George.Br. Mocatta, P.G.C., responded. He could truly say that from his acquaintance

with Masonry, which was now about 12 months, he conceived it to be identical withthe religion he professed. He thanked the P.G.M. for the honour conferred uponhim in the appointment, an honour which he should highly estimate to the last day ofhis life. As had been already stated, he was the son of a Mason, and though lie per-haps ought not to make the asser tion, yet he would take the liberty of asserting, thata better man never lived than the man from whom he had the honour to spring—(cheers). In thanking them for the honour conferred upon him, he trusted he shouldbe able to perform his duties to the well being of the Craft and the satisfaction of hisbrethren—(applause).

The Chairman said, the toasts hitherto had been chiefly of a complimentary descrip-tion. The next, however, was of a more practical utility, inasmuch as it was "TheWest Lancashire Masonic Institution for the Education and Advancement in Life ofChildren of Distressed Masons." The work which they had been engaged iu forseveral years had been of a very arduous description, and if a number of the brethrenhad not put their shoulders to the wheel it woidd not have got to the advanced statein which they now found it—(applause). Among those brethren there had been onemost prominently useful, and if not irregular, he wished to couple the name of thatbrother with the toast—the name of Br. Banning—(loud cheers). In framing thebye-laws, and other matters connected with the institution, Br. Banning had broughthis great legal knowledge to bear, and had been of very valuable" assistance—(cheers).The toast was drunk with Masonic honours.

Quintette— " Blessed be the Hour.Br. Banning, on rising to respond, was received with loud cheers. He felt great

hesitation in responding to the toast, inasmuch as he thought th ere were otherbrethren whose names were as deserving of being coupled with the toast as his own.Without the aid of Br. Collins and Br. Gamble, they would have been unable to doas much as they had done—(cheers). With respect to the Institution itself, itwould, he had no doubt, be found the means of bringing Masonry into better reputeout of doors, than it had been for some time past. He was sure all Masons musthave felt that there had been a want of exertion in the cause of charity, and he

trusted that Institution had been the means by which it could be extended—(Applause).

The following toasts were then given :—" Brs. Stephen Blair, and Finchett Maddock, R.W.D.P.G., Masters for East Lan-

cashire and Cheshire.Glee—" 0 ! Bold Robin Hood."" The Provincial Wardens."Duet—"Albion ."" The Provincial Grand Treasurer and Secretary, and the other Grand Officers."Glee— ' Awake, iEolian Lyre.""The Ladies "Part-Song—" I knew a .Maiden."" The Grand Stewards of the Province."Glee—" Fill the shining goblet.""The Musical Brethren," responded to by Br. Molyneux, P.G.O."The Masters and Wardens of Lodges," responded to by Brs. Atherton , of 101,

and Alpass, P.G.S., of 181.The last toast of the evening was then given, and the Lodge was closed about ten

o'clock. (From the Special Reporter of (he Masonic Mirror.)

SOUTHPORT .—DEDICATION OF THE LODGE OF UNITY (NO. 889) On Friday,June 15th, the interesting ceremony of dedicating this Lodge took place at theAssembly Room , Scarisbrick Arms, where the brethren and Provincial Grand Officersassembled at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. The Craft Lodge was opened by theofficers of 889, after which the Gran d Lodge entered, and the solemn rite of dedica-tion was at once proceeded with. In the absence of the D.P.G.M., the Rev. GilmoreRobinson, who was confined to home by indisposition , Br. Perrin, P.S.G.W. occupiedthe position of G.M.; Br. Bell, S.G.W., of East Lancashire , as S.G.W. ; Br, J.

• Billinge, as J.G.W.; Br. Henry Greenbulgh, P.G., Pursuivant of E.L.; Br. Wylie,P.G. Secretary, &c. After the grand procession had taken their seats, the followinganthem was sung by the choir, Br. Molinuex presiding at the organ , assisted by Brs.Armstrong, George, Jones, and Haswell :—

To Heaven's high Architect all praise,All praise, all gratitude be given ,

Who deigned the human soul to raise,By mystic secrets sprung from Heaven.

Sound aloud the great Jehovah's praise,To him the dom e, the temple raise.

The dedication service then proceeded , in the course of which the Chaplain of theLodge, Br. the Rev. W. A. Moratta, read 1st Kings viii., from verse 5 to 30,after which he offered up a solemn invocation to the G. A. of the U., and then thefollowing anthem was sung:—

Praise the Lord ! ye Heavens adore Him ;Praise Him, angels in tho height ;

Sun and moon , rejoice before him ;Praise him, all ye stars of light.

Praise the Lord, for he hath spoken ;Worlds, his mighty voice obeyed ;

Laws, which never can be broken,For then- guidance He hath made.

The Chaplain then delivered a most eloquent, appropriate , and truly Masonicoration , and the service was concluded. The oration was received with such appro -bation, that the P.G. Secretary, after thanks had been voted to the Chaplain, proposedthat the oration should be published, to which Br. Moratta consented , stating, how-ever , that as he was only a young Mason , the oration had not the merit of beingstrictly original , but was a compilation from works already published. At two

o'clock, the brethren proceeded to church , when a most excellent sermon was preachedby Br. Moratta, from Hebrews xiii., 1st and part of 2nd verse, " Let brotherlylove continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers." After the service, a collec-tion was made in behalf of the Strangers' Charity, which amounted to within a fewpence of j£20.

The brethren afterwards dined together in the Lodge-room, which was elegantlydecorated with banners, &c. Br. Lambert, P.M. of 889, presided, and amongst thecompany we observed Brs. Rid gway Brideson, P.G.M., East Lancashire ; Wylie,P.G.S. : Peers, and AUander, P.G. Stewards ; Billinge, P.G. ; M. C. Wetherall, W.M.889; the Chaplin of 889 : Pitt , P.P.G.M.C, East Lancashire , Bell, P.S.G.W. ;Greenbulgh, P.G.P. ; Jeffrey, W.M., 368 ; Shand, W.M., 711; Goss, W.M., 845 ;Griffith , P.M., 701 ; Wingfield , J.W., 701 ; Clark, S.D. 701 ; Ramsden , J.D., 701 ;Hornby, I.G., 701 ; Hiskey, Braitan, Salisbury, and Jones, also of 701 ; Greene,P.M. ; and Marshall, J.D. of 782, &c, &c.

On the removal of the cloth the Chairman proposed " The health of her Majestythe Queen," which was drunk with the usual loyal demonstration , and followed by" God save the Queen." This was followed by " Prince Albert, and the rest of theRoyal family." Glee, "Hail Albert."

The Chairman next proposed " The health of the M.W., the G.M. of England, theEarl of Zetland," eulogising his lordship for the eminent services he had conferredupon Masonry, and including in the toast " The Earl of Yarborough, the R.W.D.G.M.and the Grand Lodge of England." The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Br. Withnall, W.M. of 889, proposed the health of Le Gendre M. Starkie, Esq.,R.W.P.G.M. of West Lancashire.

The Chairman next proposed the health of a nobleman who was as highly estimatedfor his private virtues as his public worth, the Earl of Ellesmere, R.W.P.G.M. ofEast Lancashire.

Br. Bel) , S.G.W. of E. L., responded to the toast.The chairman next proposed "The health of Lord Viscount Combermere,

R.W.P.G.M. of Cheshire," and Br. Stephens of 889, formerly of Chester, beingcalled upon responded to the toast.

The Chairman rose and proposed "The health of the Rev. Gilmore Robinson ,R.W.D.P.G.M. of West Lancashire," whose absence he ' deeply regretted from thecause of it, indisposition , a gentlemen who was beloved and esteemed by all, moreespecial ly in his own neighbourhood, where he was not only the pastor of his flock,but also afforded assistance with his advice as a medical man. The toast was drunkwith Masonic honours. Br. Wylie, P.G.S., responded to the toast and concluded byproposing "The health of the AV.M. and prosperity to Lodge 889." Br. Withnallresponded, ancl said that although the Lodge had only been in existence for twelvemonths, yet they could now boast of two P.M's., a Chaplain, an organist, and 35members, and although the Lodge, as would , be perceived, must have spent a largesum in fittings, furniture, &c, yet he was happy to say they were out of debt, andhad funds in hand—(hear , and cheers).

The chairman next proposed " The health of Br. Stephen Blair, R.W-D.P.G.M.of East Lancashire," which was responded to by Br. Bell.

The chairman next proposed " The health of Br. Moratta, the Chaplain of theLodge," a gentleman, a scholar, and a minister of the Gospel, whose conduct in theperformance of the ceremonies of that day could not be excelled.

> Br. Moratta responded. He believed the Lodge would really prove an ornamentto West Lancashire, and if the respected G.M. had been present that day he wouldhave been delighted with the proceedings—(cheers).

The Chairman next proposed the health s of the P.G. Officers of West Lancashire,which was responded to by Br. Billinge, G.M.C., who expressed the pleasure he feltat the proceedings of that day. The Lodge had been got up in a manner not to beexcelled by any Lodge in the province, and he had no doubt it would prove an ex-ample to the whole province.

The Chan-man next proposed the healths of the visiting brethren , which was re-sponded to by Br. Hamer , P.G.S.

Br. Ridgeway Brideson proposed the next toast, it was that of the N.M. of 889upon tho present occasion. The toast having been responded to, the Chairman nextproposed the health of the Stewards, which was responded to by Br. Hunt.

The Chairman next proposed the health of Br. Pitt, who as M.C. of East Liaucashire had for many years acted as Instructing Master of several Lodges, and thatday, although old in years and in Masonry, they found him present giving the honoursin a way which no other Mason in England could give. " May he long" (said theChairman) " be spared to us, and when this transitory life is over may he rise tothe G.L. above, where tho World's G.A. lives and reigns for evermore."

Br. Pitt, in responding, earnestly exhorted, as an old Mason who had laboured inthe Masonic vineyard for 50 years, all present to follow the excellent advice whichhad fallen f rom the Chaplain. In the whole course of his experience he did not thinkhe had ever seen proceedings conducted so quietly and so orderly, nor did he think heever heard an oration so appropriate to the occasion—(hear , hear). After some otherremarks, the veneral speaker urged upon the brethren present to husband their fundsso that they might be able to maintain a fund for the use of aged and decayed Masons—(hear, hear).

. After one or two other toasts, the last toast was given "To all poor," &c, and theproceedings of the day terminated shortly after 9 o'clock.

We cannot close our Report without expressing our thanks to Br. Stephens for thevery excellent arrangements made by him, as manager of the Liverpool and South PortRailway, for the comfort and accommodation of the brethren from a distance.

LANCASHIRE, EASTERN DIVISION.

LODGE OF FIDELITY, BLACKBURN (NO. 336).—This Lodge held its monthlymeeting on the evening of Friday, the 1st of June, the W.M., Br. D. Thwaites (WestBank) presiding in his usual able manner . After the transaction of business, Br. J.N. Haworth was passed to the Second Degree, Br. Eaves, P.M. and S., officiating,after which the brethren present worked that Degree and adjourned for refresh-ment at an early hour. Among the visiting brethren was Br. C. Boardman , W.M.,Lodge of Perseverance, 432.

LODGE OF HARMONY, ROCHDALE (375).—On the 24th of May, the members ofthis Lodge assembled at Tvveedale's Hotel (Lodge of Emergency), for the purpose ofholding a banquet in honour of the worth y and respected host, Br. A. Tweedale, P.M.,and P.P.G.S.D. for East Lancashire, and P.P.Z., retiring from business. About 50brethren dined , amongst them were several Past Provincial Grand Officers , also Br.Pitt, P.G.-D. of C, for East Lancashire. The W.M., Br. P.P. Baker presided, and,in proposing tho chief toast of the evening, he particularl y alluded to the great lengthof time Br. P.M. Tweedale had been a subscribing member of this Lodge (38 years),and hope 1 that the G.A.O.T.U. would be pleased to spare the life of the worthy Br.(A. Tweedale) for many years to come, that the Lodge might be graced by his pre-sence. The toast was received with great enthusiasm , many of the brethren havingknown him for half a century. In responding to such heartfelt wishes, Br. Tweedalesaid, he found the greatest difficul ty to express his feelings, to convey his gratitudeand his brotherly love towards those kind friends who were honouring him thatevening; from a long experience he had discovered that nothing tended to raise themorality and good fellowship amongst men, than that of being a true and faithful, freeand accepted Mason ; and he believed that the beauti ful science of Free Masonry,being based on such firm and sublime princi ples, assisted in carry ing out the greatwork of redemption : he further said that , although he was retiring from business, hehe was not retiring from his Lodge, but would , as long as he was able, render everyassistance iu his power to promote the welfare and prosperity of Free Masons andFree Masonry. Order and good feeling, with appropriate songs, &c, was kept up till alate hour.

LODGE OF PERSEVERANCE, BLACKBURN (NO. 432).—The usual meeting of thisLodge was held on Monday, the -1th of June, when Br. C. Boardman, W.M., occupiedthe chair. The business of the evening was the ' election of W.M., to which office

Br. Boardman was again elected, and Br. Pilkington to the office of Treasurer. Afterthe discussion of other minor matters, the Lodge was closed with prayer, and thebrethren partook of an excellent supper provided by Br. Sansom.

KEYSTONE LODGE (No-409), FACIT .—The brethren of this Lodge hel d their monthlymeeting on Wednesday, the 6th inst., at the Bay Horse Inn , under the able presiden cyof Br. A. Shackleton , tho W.M., who passed Br. E. Law to the second degree in a veryefficient mannnor. At the conclusion of the Masonic business the Lodge was closedin due form and with prayer, at half-past 9 o'clock. The brethren afterwards adjournedto refreshment, and spent a very pleasant evening.

AFFABILITY, LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , MANCHESTER (NO. 399).—On Saturdayevening, June 16th, several of the members of this flourishing Lodge of Instructionmet at the Spread Eagle hotel , to bid a formal adieu to one of their Members, Br.J. B. Hide, Quarter-Master Serjeant, 51st King's Own Light Infantry, now underorders for the Crimea.

Br. Lyons Wright, W.M. of the Lodge of Affability, No. 399, in the chair. Afterthe usual Loyal and Masonic toasts, the chairman, in proposing the health of Br..Hide, took occasion to refer to his regular attendance to his Masonic duties, and to therapid progress he had made in the science ; and assured him that, however far hemight be removed by the exigencies of the service, he would always be rememberedby those amongst whom he had studied Masonry, with feelings of the warmest friend-shin, in token of which the Brethren present had placed in his bands a ring engravenwith the sacred emblems of the Craft, which he now placed upon Br. Hide's finger,wishing that he might wear it through many happy years, and that it might servehereafter to recall to his memory the few sincere friends who then sat around him.

Br. Hide, who was very much overcome, having returned thanks, said that the shortperiod which he had spent in Manchester, during which he had regularly attended toFreemasonry, since his visit, had been the happiest period of his existence : that theonly regret with which he departed to the field of battle was caused by his beingobliged to leave such sincere friends as he had obtained through his connection with theCraft ; and assured them that, wherever his lot mi ght be cast , ho could never forgetthe happiness of the present moment, and when he returned (for he never contem-plated the chance of falling in battle, after the numerous engagements through whichhe bad, by the mercy of the Architect of the Universe, alread y passed in safety), heshould lose no time in making his way to Manchester , to spend another hour amongstthem.

The remainder of the evening was spent in hilarity andharmony, to which Brs. Hide,Bold, and Hammond mainly contributed, and the meeting separated in excellenthumour shortly before midnight.- The ring is of massive gold, elegantly chased, and bears on a Sardonyx the squareand compasses, and on the interior is engraved the following inscription :— "To Br.J. B. Hide, as a mark of the fraternal regards of a few Masonic friends on his depar-ture for the seat of war."

LINCOLNSHIRE.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE .—On Thursday, June 1, the Provincial Grand Lodgeof Lincolnshire, held the annual meeting in the Old Hall at Gainsbro'. The Yar-borough Lodge was opened at twelve o'clock, ancl the Provincial Grand Lodge athalf-past twelve. Amongst the brethren present from the various parts of theprovince were the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Yarborough, D.G.M. of England, and P.G.M.for Lincolnshire ; the Rev. Chas. Nairne, D.P.G.M.; the Rev. W. N. Jepson, P.G.C;the Rev. Edmund R. Larken , P.P.G.C ; E. F. Broadben fc, P.G.T. ; R. C. Moore,P.G.R. ; tho Rev. B. J. Wood , P.P.G.S. ; J. W. Pashley, P.P.P.J.W. ; Joseph Guy,P.P.S.G.W. ; T. Wood , P.G.J.D. ; E. R. Cousans, P.G.S. ; J. Moxon, W.M. ;J. F. W, Bowden, J. Laughton, B. Box, R. L. Farley, C. R. Worsley. Theordinary business was then transacted, after which the P.G.M. made the variousappointments for the ensuing year. The Lodge being closed, about forty of thebrethren par took of a sumptuous banquet prepared at the White Hart Hotel. The

Earl of Yarborough presided , Br. J. Moxon, the W.M. of the Yarborough Lodge,Gainsbro ', officiating as vice-chairman. Several loyal and Masonic toasts were pro-posed and ably responded to, the P.G.M. intimating, in the course of his remarks, thatin future the Provincial Grand Lodges would be held in Lincoln, as the convenience,of the brethren would thus be more generally consulted, though occasionally cir-cumstances might arise which would induce him to recommend other towns in theprovince, as Grantham or Boston ; but such recommendations would not be madewithout full consideration. At half-past seven o'clock, the noble chairman, beingobliged to depart, deputed Br. the Rev. B. J. Wood, P.G.C., to succeed him. Atnine o'clock the brethren from Lincoln, Spilsby, Boston, &c. departed by specialtrain; and the remainder of the evening was spent in a manner so much appreciatedby the Masonic brethren, and in that good fellowship and harmony so peculiarlycharacteristic of the Order.

YARBOROUGH LODGE, GAINSBRO ' (No. 611).—The brethren of this Lodge heldan emergency meeting on the 30th May, and initiated , passed, and raised severalmembers, Br. Guy officiating pro. tern, as W.M. In the evening a supper was pro-vided at the White Hart Hotel, in Mr. and Mrs, Parker's usual good style, and whichwas specially given as a compliment to Br. Guy, who is highly esteemed amongMasons, and by all who know him. He was for many years a resident of Gainsbro' ;but having some since received the appointment of Solicitor to the Manchester,Sheffield , and Lincolnshire Railway, he now resides at Manchester. The eveningwas spent in a truly Masonic and brotherly mariner, and afforded great pleasure to allpresent.

We understand that the Earl of Yarborough P.G.M., is about to inaugurate a newLodge for the " Hundred of Eloe."

NORTHUMBERLAND.

NORTHERN COUNTIES LODGE, NEWCASTLE -ON-TYNE (NO. 586).—Since theinstallation of Br. W. Dalziel as W. M. of this Lodge, a Lodge of Instruction hasbeen commenced in connection with the Lsdge, which it is expected will prove ofgreat service, by making many of the younger brethren capable of filling the variousoffices. Much is due to Br. Dalziel in thus giving his time and attention for thebenefit of those young in the Craft.

OXFORDSHIRE.

The Apollo Masonic Ball, which followed the meeting at the Radcliffe Library, atOxford , on June 19th, proved, as was anticipated, one of the most brilliant events ofthe year, nor could it well be otherwise, considering that no expense had been sparedto render it worthy of the ancient aud honourable fraternity who gave it. There wasa vast amount of taste and elegance displayed in every thing connected with it, andthere was evidently a determination on the part of the Stewards, that those who par-ticipated in the enjoyments of the night should have reason to revert to it with feelingsof pleasure ancl satisfaction. The Town Hall itself was most tastefull y decorated , bycovering a portion of the walls to the floor with a pannelling of pink and whitedrapery in stripes, and placing above, the armorial bearings of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Heads of Colleges, Civic Authorities, and Stewards, and introducing ateach end of the Hall some Turkish tents, imparted an elegant and pleasing aspect tothe room. Weippert's band was stationed in an orchestra erected in the corridor ,and the platforms at each end of the Hall were fitted up with great taste for theaccomodation of the company who desired a little relaxation after the fatigues of thedance. A collection of choice plants and flowers in front of these platforms, diffusedtheir fragrance around, and heightened the general effect. The Council Chamberwas converted into a refreshment room , and in the Town Hall Yard a spacioussaloon was erected capable of accomodating upwards of 300 persons. This was usedas the supper room , and was laid out in exquisite taste, the city grace cups , the platepresented to the late Mayor (Aid. Spiers), and the candelabra and epergue presented

to Mr. W. Thompson, forming very prominent features on the tables, and impartingan additional degree of elegance to the scene. Banners and flags were placed invarious parts of the saloon, which, when lighted up, had a most brilliant and effectiveappearance.

The following brethren acted as Stewards on the occasion :—Br. W. W. B. Beach,P.M., P.Prov.S.G.W., President ; Br. the Earl of Lincoln , Prov.G.Sec., Vice-Presi-dent ; Br. J. II. Arkwright, Christ Church ; Br. G. D, Atkinson, University ; Br.C. S. Bigge, Christ Church ; Br. J. T. Du Boulay, Exeter ; Br. A. Coleridge, Mag-dalen ; Br. F. Cox, Christ Church ; Br. V. C. Cave, Exeter; Br. J. E. Codrington ,S.D., Brasenose ; Br. Clement C'ottrell Dormer, S D. Rousham ; Br. G. Drummond,Christ Church ; Br. C. Dalison, Merton ; Br. Hon. C. II. Ellis, Balliol ; Br. F. W.Elers, Trinity ; Br. Viscount Fordwich, Christ Church ; Br. J. C. Farnborough, I.G.Magdalen Hall ; Br. A. Faber, New College ; Br. F. J. Hayward, Magdalen; Br.W. W. Harrison , P.Prov.G.Sec, Brasenose; Br. C. S. Glyn , University ; Br. LordGarlies, Christ Church ; Br. the Mayor of Oxford ; Br. J. Morrell, junr., SaintGiles's; Br. J. W. Malcoim, W.M. 460, Dover Castle ; Br. Hon. W. H. North,Christ Church ; Br. Sir H. Peyton , Bart., Swift' s House ; Br. H. Potfinger , Merton ;Br. W. S. Portal, Malshanger House ; Br. II. A. Pickard, P.Prov.D.C. ChristChurch ; Br. J. Stratton , Farthinghoe ; Br. Hon. H. Wodehouse, Balliol ; Br. M. S.Walrond, Balliol; Br. W. H. Welby, Corpus Christi. The Stewards were distinguishedby a badge, from the design of Mr. Dalison, of Merton College : it was most chasteand elegant, consisting of a Maltese Cross in blue and gold, with a red centre, withthe points of fellowship worked therein in gold. The brethren of the Order appearedin full Masonic costume.

The company, in number about 600, consisted of the elite of the County, Univer-sity, and Ciry, with a large proportion of visitors. There was a numerous attendanceof the MembeM of the Masonic fraternity in full Masonic costume, and in manyinstances their clothing, j ewels, decorations, &c, were of a very superb character,especially those worn by the Prov. G.M. (Br. Captain Bowyer), and his deputy(Br. R. J. Spiers). Many of tlie visitors fro m London appeared to hold high posi-tion in the Craft, jud ging from the number and beauty of their decorations, andnothing could surpass the brilliancy of the scene as the jewels and orders glistenedand sparkled in the mazes of the dance. Weippert's band was engaged for theoccasion , and the festiiities were kept up with great spirit until a late hour. The com-plete success of this ball , the hopes and anticipations which it gave rise to, and whichwere SD fully realized , will , we doub t not, cause it to become a staple feature in futurecommemorations, and serve as a practical illustration that one of the chief character-istics of those bound together by the mystic tie is to diffuse pleasure and happ inessamong all within their reach.

YORKSHIRE (NORTH AND EAST RIDINGS.)A Special Grjnd Lodge of the province of these Ridings was held at Foley , on the

lit ult-., ti dedicate the Royal Lodge, No. 920, iu the Register of the United GrandLodge. After the conclusion of the ceremony, the new Lodge commenced its workin",when several gentlemen were initiated into the Order.

YORKSHIRE (WEST RIDING.)

PROVINCIAL GUANO LODGE .—A Provincial Grand Lodge was hoi den in theMasonic Hall , South Parad e, Huddersfield , on Wednesday, the 11th of April, whenthere were present—R.W., the Right Hon. the Earl of Mexborough, D.G.M.,W. Charles Lee, D.P.G.M., and a large number of the brethren.

The officers of the Lodge of Harmony, No. 342 (in whose hall this ProvincialGrand Lodge was hoklen), Inving opened in tho Three Degrees, the Provincial GrandOfficers entered in duo form.

The Provincial Grand Lodge was then opened in form and with solemn praver, anda port io n of H:ly 'cri pture was read.

The minutes of the last Provincial Grand Lodge holden at Halifax, on the third ofJanuary last was read and confirmed.

The D.P.G.M. informed the Brethren that, as several applications had been made-for the Provincial Grand Lodge bye-laws, a number of copies had been placed in thehands of Br. Wm. Smith, P.G.D.C, and might be obtained from him at his estab-lishment in Westgate, Huddersfield , at " each ; and turning to thesecond page of the Provincial Grand Lodge, bye-laws, he read as follows :—" Thecounty of York, being wide in extent and large populated, was divided into twoMasonic provinces, the north and east riding forming one, and the west ridingforming the other province, and the Provincial Grand Lodge of the West Riding ofthe County of York was constituted at Wakefield , April 23rd, 1823, when the RightHon. the Earl of Mexborough (then Viscount Pollington) was installed the FirstProvincial Grand Master;" and pointing to a splendid portrait recently executed withgreat artistic talent, by Br. Samuel Howell, of the Lodge of Harmony, No. 342, andwhich was suspended on the wall of the Lodge Room, he said, "Behold the portraitof your First Provincial Grand Master, who has .presided over you for the space ofthirty-two years."

Br. J. T. Armitage, P.P.J.G.W., immediatel y rose, and said that he wished to callthe attention of the brethren to the subject of that portrait , for he had been in com-munication with Br. Howell in reference thereto, and he should now propose thatevery subscriber of one guinea for the portrait should be entitled to a lithograph, copythereof.

Br, Dr. Feamley, P.P.S.G.W., stated that the original design ought to be carriedout, for at ^the outset it was understood that the portraits of the R.W. ProvincialGrand Master and his Deputy should severally be taken and become the property ofthe Provincial Lodge of West Yorkshire.

The D.P.G.M. begged the brethren not to take any note of him, but to confinetheir attention exclusively to the portrait of their R.W. Provincial Grand Master.

Br. C. S. Floyd, P.P.S.G.W., supported Br. Dr. Fearnly's proposition, and saidthat he thought the D.P.G.M. manifested an unkind feeling in not complying with thewishes of his brethren.

The D.P.G.M. exclaimed , " I am honoured beyond measure, and I must bow toyour will! "

Br. C. S. Floyd said he should propose that, after the subscribers to the por-traits had been severally supplied with lithographic copies thereof , the lithographon the stones should be effaced , so that the lithographs should be rendered rare.

A Committee was then formed for carry ing out the resolutions relative to theportrait.

Br. J. Batley, W.M., No. 342, withdrew his proposition for the suspension of ourProvincial Grand Lodge bye-law 17, of which he had given notice the last ProvincialGrand Lodge.

Br. Richard Carter, P.P.S.G.W., proposed, Br. Thomas Dewhurst, P.S.G.D.,seconded, and it was carried :—

"That the Ritual Committee be known by the title of the West Yorkshire Lodgeof Instruction and Reference ; and that its first meeting be held this day month at theHarmony Lodge, No. 342, at four o'clock in the afternoon , circulars in the meantimebeing sent to each member by Provincial Grand Secretary."

Returns were then read from the various Lodges in the Province, amounting to 30,showing that they possess 1150 contributing members, and 273 P.M.'s. They alsohave 1814 votes for the R.M.B. Institution ; 22 for the girl's school, and 21 for theboys'. The sum subscribed towards liquidating the asylum debts by the lodge of thisdivision of Yorkshire, was 14?. lis.

The P.G.T. produced his cash account with the vouchers, and the cheque book ofMessrs. Beckett & Co., and the D.P.G.M. announced to the brethren that, in additionto 500?. invested on mortgage, there remains in the bank a handsome sum—whichsum, as will be shown by the Treasurer's account hereto annexed , now reaches theamount of 241/. 15s. Sd., making with the mortgage, 741?. 15s. 8(7.

Br, Wm. Dixon was again unanimously re-elected Provincial Grand Treasurer.

r It was proposed by Br. T. Dewhurst, P.S.G.D., seconded by Br. John Sykes.P.J.G.D., and carried unanimously, " That the thanks of this Provincial GrandLodge are due to Br. Wm. Dixon for his faithful and valuable services."

•Other business -having -boen:disposod of, the meeting separated. The next^G. .Lodgewill .he held at Leeds on the 4th inst.

THEATRICALS AT NEWCASTLE -ON-TYNE . — On Tuesday evening, May 1st,Br. John T. M. Harrison , musical composer to' this theatre, took his first benefit.The play was Henry VIII, after which a Grand Concert took place. Tho orchestrawas conducted by Br. Harrison, with his superior tact and ability. A beautifuloperatic selection was given with much effect. M. Rolfe sung a very effective songwith considerable ability. A charming little song, in manuscript—" Sweet SummerFlowers'"—composed by Br. Harrison, was most delightfull y sung by Miss Watson,a young lady of considerable promise. We hope thi s beautiful melody will bepublished; as it cannot fail to become a universal favourite. The concert terminatedwith a Local Quadrille, by Br. Harrison, in which many old melodies of the Tyne-sidewere most effectivel y introduced. They were much admired , and deserved a mostunanimous encore. The theatre was well and most respectably attended , many of theCraft being present. On Monday evening, May 7th, being the last of the season,Br. E. D. Davis, the spirited lessee of the theatre, had his benefit , on which occasionthe elegant and favourite drama " Victorine " -was performed , to tho del ight of a largeand highly respectable audience, amongst which were many of the Craft.

^ Br. Davis,

in the course of the evening, delivered a highly talented and beautiful poetical address.The entertainments concluded with the "Midnight 'Watch."

R O Y A L A.R C H.

LONDON CHAPTERS.JOPPA CHAPTER (No.. 223).—A convocation of the members of this Chapter wa&

holden at the Masonic Hall, Mansell Street, Goodman's Fields, on Monday the 11th,when .Comp. J..Somers, of the Oak Lodge, was installed into the first Principal's chair,—and Comp. Jones as I.,—the 'Companion elected to the second chair not beingpresent, the ceremonies were ably performed by Comp. Goring, assisted hy the im-mediate P.Z., -Comp. Ellis. Comp.. Alexander, J.W., of the Joppa Lodge, is.the P.S.The Comps. afterwards supped together, and spen t a very pleasant-evening. -

MOIRA :CHAPTER :(NO. 109).—A meeting of this Chapter was held at the LondonTavern, on Friday the 15th of June, when Comp. Francis Edgington , of London Bridge,was -duly exalted. Comp. Palmer was then installed for the second 'time as Z.;Comp. Law as TL, and Gale, I. Amongst the -visitors -were the following-G. Officers ,Comps. Potter, John Hervey ancl Fanfield.

DEVONSHIRE .' 'CHAPTER OF SINCERITY STONEHOUSE (NO. 224.)—The Companions of this Chap-ter met- on Thursday at St. George's Hall, 21st June, to exalt the following duly qua-lified , Brethren :—Brs. Rodd, Hunt , Gilbard , Han cock, and Mann . A large muster ofComps. were present, including Comps. Triscott, Tripe, Pollard, Damant , Killing!}',GanSbell, and several others, whose names escaped us. Some considerable detentionwas caused from the want of suitable paraphernalia, but this obstacle was happilyovercome by Comp. Gambell kindly offering to proceed to Plymouth and procurethe loan of that-belonging to Chapter 83 (St. John),.which, being done, the BrethrenWere exalted by Comp. Pollard, P.Z., of 83, in the most impressive manner, givingto this beautiful ceremony its full effect. Labour being over, the Comps. retired to

refreshment, and due justice was done to the elegant repast provided. Owing to thelength of the ceremony, and the lateness of the hour at which it commenced, there washarely time to give the usual toasts. The healths of the usual members of 83 beingdrunk and they having been thanked for their kind assistance, towards the smallhours the companions wended their way home, having spent a very pleasant evening.We anticipate, when next we have the pleasure of visiting this rising Chapter, theywill have procured suitable paraphernalia of their own, as from their increased num-bers they can now accomplish this desideratum, and make themselves equal to theother Chapters in the neighbourhood.

LANCASHIRE.CHAPTER OF HOPE, ROCHDALE (No. 62).—This flourishing Chapter held a convo-

cation on the 3rd inst., at the Spread Eagle Inn, at 6 o'clock. The Chapter wasopened in due form. The Principal Comps. I. Lord, Z., W. Roberts, H. and P.L.Holland , P.P.Z. as I. presiding. The minutes of the last meeting having been con-firmed , the bye-laws were duly signed by the Officers and Comps. present. Comp.J. Lord, P.Z., gave a lecture on the R. A. Jewel, which was highly instructive, andreceived by the Comps- with applause. At the conclusion of the business, the Chapterwas closed and adjourned. The Comps. partook of refreshments and separated at9 o'clock in the greatest harmony.

THE C O L O N I E S .

AUSTRALIA.AUSTRALASIAN MASONIC HOTEL, SYDNEY .—According to arrangement previously

announced, the formal opening of this important hotel was commemorated on Dec. 14,by a grand dinner given by the lessee, Mr. R. Swete, to the members of the MasonicOrder, and such other friends or patrons of the Society as chose to attend. Thepremises occupied are those lately known as the Town Hall. They have been fittedup, carpeted, and decorated in such a style as to combine considerable artistic beautywith the utmost amount of personal convenience and general house accommodation :thus providing a capacious and tastefully-ornamented Hall, in which all the Lodgesof the Masonic Order may, and will, meet from time to time, for the transaction ofbusiness, whether of a festive or an ordinary character. The room was brilliantlylighted up, and the tables were set off with bouquets of choice flowers, all of whichharmonised exquisitely with the gay and enthusiastic feeling expressed by the companyin approval of the object of the entertainment. The chair was occupied by the GrandMaster, Captain limes, who was supported by Mr. Parkes, M.L.C., and several othergentlemen of note. The gallant Chairman, in proposing the first toast, " The Queen,"paid a graceful and eloquent compliment to the soldiers and sailors engaged in thepresent war. He said that, although there were others besides Masons present, andalthough they were forbidden by their laws from discussing political or party questions,yet he was happy to say that there was one green spot on which they could all meet,whatever were the religious or political feelings entertained, and that was loyalty tothe Sovereign (loud cheers)—a sentiment dear to every British heart (renewed cheers).The toast was received with the usual honours, as was also that of Prince Albert andthe Royal Family. Several other toasts were drank, and responded to with greatenthusiasm ; amongst which were, " Success to the combined forces of England andFrance ;" " Prosperity to the Hotel, combining as it did the Masonic Hall of all theLodges j" the heal th of Mr. Parkes, one of the Members for the City; and the healthof Her Majesty's Ministers, to whom in a great measure the success of the presentwar was attributable.

CORRESPONDENCE.

MA.RK MASONEY.To the Editor of the Masonic Mirror.

Edinhuryh, June 2\st, 1855.SIR,.—I beg- to send you a copy of the deliverance of the Supreme

Chapter, regarding the spurious Mark Lodge in London, and am,Sir, your most obedient servant,

WM. GAYLOR.Grand Scribe N. for Scotland.

[Copy referred to.]June 20th, 1855.

THE Grand Scribe N. brought under the notice of the Supreme Chapter theallegation that the Bon Accord Chapter of Aberdeen (No. 70) had granted a warrantto some Masons in London, to practise Mark Masonry ; as also a letter to the GrandScribe N., from Companion Rettie, Principal Z. of that Chapter , referring to a letterfrom himself, which he had published in the "Freemasons' Magazine " for the presentmonth, wherein he had acknowledged the Chapter had done so, and given the reasons forits'so doing. And this letter in the " Freemasons' Magazine " having been read andconsidered, the Supreme Chapter is unanimousl y of opinion that Companion Rettie,while quoting correctly from the Laws of the Supreme Chapter, has applied to them ameaning they are quite incapable of sustaining. The Supreme Chapter further declares,that a Supreme Chapter of Royal Arch Masons alone has power, in this country, togrant legal warrants for the Mark, Past, Excellen t, and Royal Arch degrees, or such ofthese degrees as are acknowledged by it: That on 21st December, 1842, the SupremeChapter of Scotland resolved to grant separate warrants for practising the twodegrees of Mark and Past Master, and no others, reserving, however, to R. A.Chapters their privilege to confer these also, as formerly : That this law continuedonly in operation for a few years, after which the right to confer (or initiate in) thesetwo degrees was restricted to those only who took cut R. A. Charters : That theAberdeen Bon Accord Chapter can only confer these degrees under the Chartergranted to it on 18th December, 1850, and which was after the repeal of the Law of1842, and cannot grant warrants to any other body of Masons to confer the saiddegrees, or depute its own powers in any way whatever : That the Chapter of BonAccord, Aberdeen, has thus assumed to itself powers which can be exercised by theSupreme Chapter alone, and are not conferred on any Daughter Chapter, either byits Charter , or by the Laws of the Supreme Chapter. The Supreme Chapter, there-fore, directs that intimation be made to Companion Rettie to withdraw the warrantimmediately, and to report at next Quarterly Communication that the same has beenSo done, in order to avoid the necessity of ulterior measures.

We reprint the following, in order that the whole of the correspondence may belaid before our readers :—

To the Editor of the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine.SIR AND BROTHER .— Observing amongst the Notices to Correspondents in your

last number that you have had a correspondence with " W. Gaylor," I presume G.S.N,of the Sup. Chapter of Scotland , in reference to the "London Bon-accord MarkLodge," as first Principal of Chap ter No. 70, I would beg shortly to state the factsconnected with the origin and history of that Lodge.

Upon the 11th September, 1851, a petition from six members (all residing inLondon), of the Bon-accord M.M. Lodge, holding of the Chapter No. 70, was pre-sented to that Chapter, praying for a warrant to enable them to establish a Mark M.Lodge in London, under the title of the " London Bon-accoid Mark Master Lodge;"as they were anxious " to promote and diffuse the genuine principle of Mark Ma-sonry." The Chapter granted a Warrant to those Brethren , in consequence of theSup. G.R.A. Chapter of Scotland having, on March 12th, 1848, denuded themselvesof the right of grantiug Mark Lodge Warrants, and as the resolution bears, " that

the power of granting these degrees" (Mark and Past Master) " shall be vested inchapters only, as formerly declared by a resolution of the Supreme Chapter, dated16th September, 1846." Also because the granting of the Warrant did not interferewith any of those degrees which flourish under the guardianship of the G. L. or theSuP- G- Chapter of England. Had either of the two last bodies taken cognizance ofthe Mark Degree, most assuredly the members of Chapter No. 70 would never havegranted such a Warrant. It was solely for the extension ancl promotion of a know-ledge of one of the most beautiful and perfect of the Masonic Degrees. How it hassucceeded in effecting that object, may be judged from the Mark Roll of the Bon-accord Chapter, on which are recorded the names of some of the most accomplishedMasous that England can boast of.

I will copy the different regulations of the Supreme Chap ter, to show that the Bon-accord Chapter has acted in accordance with the spirit of their obligations, in order topromote and advance a knowledge of Masonry. The members would not havegranted the Warrant, had it been contrary to the laws, or spirit of the laws, of theSupreme Chap ter, and I for one would never have sanctioned such a step, as I neverhave countenanced , either in my private or public capacity in the Craft, a departurefrom the rules or regulations of any Order to which I belong.

In the laws of the Supremo G.R.A of Scotland , published 1845, chap. iv. par 35,will be found :—"As the G.L. of Scotland does not at present permit its daughter Lodges toconfer the degrees of Mark ancl P.M., and as therefore these degrees cannot belegally obtained in a Lodge of St. John's Masonry in Scotland , the Supreme

Chapter issues Warrants constituting Lodges for these degrees only." This was thelaw hi 1845. In the year 1848 the above law was abrogated by the SupremeChapter. _ Upon March 12th, inter alia , it was resolved to abrogate the law,chapter iv. par. 35, by which the Supreme Chapter agrees to issue Warrantsconstituting Lodges to confer the degree of Mark and P.M., and to enact anddeclare "that the power of these decrees shall be vested in Chapters only, asformerly declared by a resolution of the Supreme Chapter , dated 16th September,1846.

This is shortly the history of the London Bon-accord Mark Master Lodge.r-Iremain, Sir and Brother, yotu-s fraternally,JAMES RETTIE,

Aberdeen, May 4 1855. First Principal, Bon-accord Chapter,- No. 70.- .

LONDON BON ACCORD MARK MASTER LODGE.To the Editor of the Masonic Mirror.

Aberdeen, June \Wi, 1855.biR — Ihe above Lodge, and the Chapter to whom it owes obedience, is likely toget "scrimp justice," at the hands of the Supreme Chapter of Scotland, if we may judgefrom the correspondence which appeared in your last number. In that correspondencewe find that, not only does one of the Grand Scribes, but also the Depute P.Z. for

Scotland condemn the above Lodge, and the conduct of Chapter No. 70, as illegal,without a hearing. Against such un-Masonic conduct I most emphatically protest ; asit is contrary to the Rules, and the spirit of the Rules of Craft or Arch Masonry. TheRule is,_ so far as I have been able to make out—that any Brother or Lodge, anyCompanion or Chapter, against whom a charge is brought, ought to be informedwhat that charge is by the superior body. Up to the present moment, there is nocnarge made aga inst Chapter No. 70, by the Supreme Chapter. It is quite possiblethat Chapter. No. 70 may be wrong—it . is equally so that it may be right ; and itwould be very foolish to give the line of defence, until we know what charge is laidagainst us. And I have to regret that any Englishman should have so far forgottenthat manly national characteristic, fair-play, as to have joined in the cry against-theLondon Bon Accord Mark Master Lodge, of "illegal," "spurious," before hearingboth sides of the question. '

I remain, Sir, Your obedient Servant,JAMES RETTIE,

P.Z. Chanter No. 70, Scotland.

SUMMARY OF NEWS FOR JUNE.IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Both houses of parliament resumed their sittings after the Whitsuntide recess onthe 4th June. In the House of Lords on that day the principal business transactedwas the passing of the Newspaper Stamp Bill through committee. On the followingday the bill was read a third time and passed;—and Lord Clarendon announced thattlie negotiations at Vienna had come to a close, a similar announcement being alsomade in the House of Commons. On the 7th, the Cambridge University Bill, aftera good deal of discussion, passed through committee. On the 11th, a question ofprivileges arose relative to the creation of the barony of Fermoy, which was referredto a committee. On the 12th , a motion of the Bishop of Oxford for postponing theReligious Worship Bill for six months was lost by a majority of one—the numbersvoting being 31 against 30. On the 14th, a motion of Earl Shaftesbury to refer abill introduced by himself to limit the hours of work of needle-women was referred toa committee, and the Cambridge University Bill passed. On the 15th, the ReligiousWorship Bill was referred to a select committee. On the 18th, Lord Broughambrought forward the subject of the excessive fees in the County Courts—ancl severalbills were advanced a stage. Similar business was transacted on the following day—on the 22nd—25th. On the 27th, a discussion took place relative to the conduct ofAustria, which the government contended showed a leaning in favour of the allies.

In the House of Commons on the 4th, the debate was resumed on the various,motions relative to the prosecution of the war, which was continued on the 5th, 7th,and 8th, when Mr. Baring's motion assuring her Majesty of the continued support ofthe House of Commons in the prosecution of the war was unanimously carried. Onthe 6th, the adjourned debate on Mr. Spooner 's anti-Maynooth motion was resumed,and adjourned to the 27th. On the 11th, the Metropolis Local Management Billwent into committee, and the adjourned debate on Sir. John Pakington's EducationBill was resumed, and further adjourned. On the 12 th, the Metropolis Local Manage-ment Bill was further considered, and a motion in favour of decimal coinage carried'by a majority of 135 to 36. On the 13th, the Sunday Trading (metropolis) Billwent through committee, and was ordered to be recommitted on the 4th July. Onthe 14th, the Education Scotland Bill was considered in committee; and the VictoriaGovernment Bill and the Waste Lands (Australian) Repeal Bill read a second time.On the 15th, Mr. Eayard brought forward a motion upon Administrative Reform,which was met with a milder motion of Sir E. L. Bulwer. The debate was adjourneduntil the 17th, when Mr. Layard's motion was defeated by a majority of 359 to 46.The debate on the amendment of Sir E. L. Bulwer was adjourned to the 21st, when;it was agreed to unanimously. On the 20th , the Marriage Law Amendment Bill ,having been under consideration in committee, was adjourned to 20th July. On the21st, the Metropolis Local Management Bill and the Tenants' Improvements (Ireland)Bill was further considered in committee. After a variety of personal explanations,.the Education Scotland Bill was further advanced a stage on the 22nd. On the 25tn,Lord Palmerston having made a statement relative to the bills to be proceeded withthis session , the most important of which are the Limited Liability in PartnershipBill, the Victoria Government Bill , and the Australian Waste Lands Repeal Billpassed thro ugh committee. On the 27th, the Metrop olis Improvement Bill passedthrough committee. A committee was appointed to consider whether Baron Roths-child in accepting the contract for the Government loan had not forfeited his seat in.parliament. A committee was also appointed to consider the effect of the bill forclosing public-houses ;—and a resolution agreed to in favour of the revision orreduction of duty on stage coaches, &c. Leave was given to bring in a bill extendingthe parliamentary suffrage to all parties paying income-tax. On tho 27th, the May-nooth question was once more considered and adjourned.

THE WAR.The proceedings since our last have been of a somewhat chequered character, suc-

cesses and. checks, but the latter have not been of a nature to load to any fear thatthere need be any doubt as to the ultimate fate of Sebastopol, and tho wresting of the

Crimea from the Russians. The successes m the Sea of Azoff have been completelyuninterrup ted—Genitchi, Berdiahsk, Tagaurog, Marionople, and other places havefallen into the hands of the allies, and considerable quantities of ammunition andsupplies destroyed. On the 6th , the bombardment of Sebastopol was reopened, andon the 7th, the French carried the Mamelon, and the English the quarries, in front ofthe redan . On the 18th, a combined attack was made on the Malakoff tower, and theRedan, and though they obtained temporary possession of them, and did considerabledamage, they were obliged to retire, the losses of the English being about 1200 inkilled and wounded, and the French 4000 ; the losses of the Russians are supposed tohave been much larger. The French have occupied the Tchernaya.

In the Baltic on the 7th, a boat of the "Cossack" was landing some prisoners at Hangounder a flag of truce, when they were attacked by the Russians ; when six men werekilled, and three officers and the majority of the crew taken prisoners, the majoritybeing wounded. Only one man escaped. Several vessels have come into contactwith infernal machines sunk in the sea near Constradt, but without receiving anymaterial damage.

COMMERCIAL.Great consternation has been excited by the stoppage of the eminent bankers,

Messrs. Strahan & Co., they having been long held in the highest estimation at thewest end of the town, and holding some of the longest accounts of the nobility. Theassets it is supposed will not realise more th an about four shillings in the pound.The three partners are in custody for having feloniously disposed of securities entrustedto their care.

At the half-yearly meeting of the Mexican and South American Company on the12th, a dividend of 7s. 6d. per share, free of income tax was declared . The net profitsof the working, amounted to £29,438 Is. 3d.

The Bank of Australia held its aunual meeting on the 16th, and declared a dividendand bonus at the rate of 20 per cent on the paid up capital.

The South Australian Banking Company met, on the following day, and declared adividend at the rate of 14 per cent, per annum.

At the third half-yearly meeting of the London Chartered Bank of Australia on the22nd, a dividend of 2 per cent, free of income tax, was declared for the half-year.

The British Sperm Candle Company are about to issue the unallotted shares at par,with a guaranteed interest of 5 per cent, per annum.

The preliminary prospectus of a company, provisionally registered, under the titleof the Australian General Investment Association, has just been issued. The princi-pal object of the company is to'develope the agricultural resources of the colony, by thepurchase of lands and establishment of sheep-runs, it being notorious that the largestfortunes have been made in Australia from these runs, in the production of tallow andwool. The most valuable testimonials in favour of the principles upon which thecompany is to be founded, have been received from persons of authority in Australia,who think that, with adequate capital and careful management, very large profits—too large for us to mention until the principles of the company are more fully de-veloped—cannot fail to be made. The capital of the company is at present fixed at.£50,000, with power to increase to £500,000 in as many shares of £l each, of which5s. is to be paid upon complete registration, and a call of 5s. six months afterwards.

BENEVO LENT.THE annual sermon on behalf of the Society of Patrons, was preached on the 6th

ult., in St. Paul's Cathedral, by the Bishop of Llandaff , from the 6th verse of the33rd chapter of Isaiah. The children of the several parish and ward schools were, asusual, present. The collection was not a large one.

The annual meeting of the supporters of the Mesmeric Infirmary was heldon the 10th, with Lord Dunraven in the chair. The several speakers spoke ofwonderful cures effected by ' mesmeric treatment. Dr. Elliotson read the report,which, after congratulating the friends of mesmerism on the advance which it wasmaking in public estimation , proceeded to mention that, during the course of thepast year, 247 patients had been attended to at the infirmary, of whom 43 had beenon the books at the commencement of the year, and the other 204 had been since

admitted. Of these, 69 had been cured, 9 nearly cured, 49 improved, 71 had dis-continued attendance, and 41 were still under treatment.

The anniversary festival of the United Land Clerks' Society was held at the Free-masons' Tavern, on the ] 2th ult. Lord Justice Turner presided. The report said—The number of members who, in the past year, claimed relief on account of sickness,has been 25 ; £121 7s. 6d. has been expended in meeting these claims—considerablyless than was required in the two preceding years. Each applicant receives one guineaweekly so long as his illness disables him from following his employment, but not ex-ceeding one year. Should it extend over that period, the member is entitled to halfthe amount during a second year ; and if his affliction assume a permanent character,then he is entitled to relief for life out of the Superannuation Fund. Two of thesecases of sickness terminated in the members being placed on that fund, ancl three othersended in death. The total relief afforded to the members on account of sickness aloneamounts to the sum of £3,349 16s. 6d. The claims on the Superannuation Fund areincreasing. Last year there were five ; there are now seven, requiring a yearly ex-penditure of £239 4s. In three of these cases the members receive yearly £31 4s.each, and the remaining four £36 8s. The Committee were able to announce at thelast anniversary that in the year preceding not one case of death had occurred amongst524 members. On this occasion they have to report the death, since the last festival,of six members. The family of- each received the sum of £50. The Committee havealso to report the death of the wives of five members ; to each of these members thesum of £25 has been paid. The total expenditure on account of death has reachedthe sum of £4,927 10s.

On the 26th, Prince Albert inaugurated the R.C. Medical Benevolent College atEpsom as an asylum for decayed members of the Profession and their widows, and asa school for the education of their children. The arrangements were of the worstpossible character.

PROVIDENT .The Times Life Insurance Company held its annual meeting on the 7th ult.

During the year the company completed and issued 1612 policies, covering 393,515/.,and yielding in premiums 7012/. 8s. 10c/. A bonus of one per cent, per annum, was de-clared on the life policies entitled to a division of profits, and a bonus of 2s. 6d. pershare on the capital stock of the Company.

On the 21st ul t., the proprietors of the Royal Exchange declared a dividend, equiva-lent to 11 per cent, per annum.

The Achilles Insurance Company held its annual meeting on the 6th ult., when itwas stated , that during the past year the Company completed 225 policies, assuring101,230/., and producing a new income of 3,128,134/. The average amount of eachpolicy was 450/,

A special meeting of the Law Life Assurance Company was held on the 8th ult.,for the declaration of the surplus profits of the 4th septennial period of the Company'scareer, when it appeared that they amounted to 793,147/. 9s. id., one-fifth of whichbelonged to the proprietors, and the remaining four-fifths to the assured. TheGuarantee Fund on the 31st December, was 615,858/. 16s. 4c/. The interest accruingfrom this sum of 615,858/. 16s. id., as at present invested , will enable the directorsto pay to the proprietors an annual dividend of 21. 10s. per share, clear of incometax ; being an increase of dividend of 14s. per share ; the entire dividend being afterthe rate of 25 per cent, per annum on the amount paid up on each share. The sumof 634,517/. 19s. Od. falling to the share of the assured , has been allotted amongthem in proportion to their respective interests, a reserve being made for those policieswhich are not yet entitled to participate, by reason of their not being of three fullyears' standing.

During the month, the Waterloo Life Assurance Company held meetings at Liver-pool and Kendal. The Company, although established only 3| years, has now apremium income of upwards of 14,000/. per annum, and has invested 30,000/. Theclaims which have as yet fallen in, amount to only 1500/.

On the 16th ult., Lord Torrington presided at the annual meeting of the Indispu-table Insurance Company, when a report was read, which stated that there was a con-

tinuous yearly increase in the Company's business, which at' present amounted t&20,000/. per annum. _• The Quarterly Meeting of the Conservative Land Society was held at Exeter Hall,on Wednesday, Lord Ranelagh presiding, when Br. Guireisren read a report, fromwhich it appears the amount-of land sold 'during the past quarter has been 6,427/.10s. ; the total amount of land sold since the commencement of the society is 109,111/.10s,; the gross cash receipts up to Lady-day, 1855, are 165,613/. 10s. 6rZ. ; ditto,from Lady-day to Midsummer, 1855, 12,377/. 12s. 4d. ; total -receipts 177,991/. 2s.10d. ; whilst the total -amount of withdrawals unto Midsummer, 1855, have onlyamounted to 16,723/. Is. id. -, the total shares in progress, or uncompleted, taken upto Midsummer , 1855, were '9,458/. ; shares completed , to the same date 1,584/.,;total number of shares issued on the 24th June, 1855, 11,042/. The return's up toMidsummer, of the register of order of rights are as follows :—completed, 1,584.;.drawn, 1,886; seniority, 953 ; total, 4,423.; deduct rights exercised on estates,¦2,128 ; unexercised -rights, 2,295. A most favourable account of the prospects ofthe Society was given, and an announcement made, that the Hounslow estate would-be allotted on the 19th inst. The .quarterly-drawing for choice of allotment was thenproceeded -with—the result of which will be found in our -advertising columns.

MISCELLANEOUS.Sir Joseph Paxton '-has submitted a plan to tho city authorities for a proposed arcades

covered with glass, and railway round London, at an estimated cost of £34,000,000.On the 13th , the New Metropolitan Cattle Market, in Copenhagen Fields, was opened

by H.R .H. Prince Albert, assisted by the Corporation of the City of London.An Irish labourer, named Jeremiah Foley, has been committed for the murder cf a

woman , named Hannah Bell, at Limehouse. - -There was an out-door demonstration in Hyde Park on Sunday the 24th, against

the Sunday Suppression Bill.An order in Council was issued oil the -28th , doubling the pay of the British Army

whenever engaged hi,the field.

AMUSEMENTS OF THE MONTH.At the -Haymarket Theatre, a new Opera, entitled , "Berta, or the Gnome of Hartz-

berg" was produced on the 2nd of Juno. As the nam e bespeaks, the opera is foundedon a German story,—-the libretto being by Fitzball , and of th at the less that is said thebetter. The music by Henry Smart is light, graceful and spirited, ancl owing to thatand the excellence with which Br. Buckstone put'it upon the stage it met with a com-plete success.

A now play by .Mr. Saunders, entitled , "Love's Martyrdom," was produced with afair success ; the principal characters being sustained by Miss Helen Faucitt and Mr.Barry Sullivan.

A now play by Tom Taylor, -entitled, " Helping Hands," has been produced at tlieAdelphi, with complete success.

The -Crystal Palace Company have opened the nine :upper fountains, which nowplay daily, and add considerably to the beauty of the Gardens which , at this season ofthe year form, irrespective of the Palace, a most attractive exhibition. The lowerfountains are expected to he-opened towards the close of August.

The season at Cremorne is now at its height,-and the excellent performances in theCirque National nightly attracts crowded audiences.

4

OBITUARY.. _ BR. CHARLE S Fox.—This brother , who has been long well known in the Craft , ex-pired on . the 11th June , at the Stafford Arms , Pimlico—of which he had been thelandlord for some years past~at the age of 60. Br. Fox was initiated by Br. Hardyat bunilerland , about the year 1825, and continued a subscribing member whilst re-maining in that portion of the country. Br. Fox subsequently went abroad , and on

his return to England , having , become steward-.of- the Junior.United Semce:Glub, hebecame a joining member of the Robert Burns Lodge , in.Nov., 1839; at the time whengreat effoi ts weie making to secure it from destruction , which at one time threat enedit from tlie falling off of its members. In the following January, Br. . Fox wasappointed J.D., and attaine d the chair in the year 1843, by which lime the Lodge had ,throug h the exertions of Br. Waison, arrived at the hi ghest pinnficle of prosper ity.Br. Fox was exalted in the Robert Burns-Chapter on: the day: of its consecration ,in February, 1845, and having passed- throug h the various offices , filled the chair bf-Z.in- the year 1852. Br. Fox having left the United - Service Club , became stewardlofthe Wyndham , which situation he resigned in 1842, to become landlord of the ReelLion , in Jermyn-street. _ Having sold the lease of this house to advantage , he remove dto the. Stafford Arms , Pimlico , audi t is supposed that the falling off of the'business;.owing to the pulling clown of the houses wound him- for the Pimlico improvements ,preyed upon his spirits and-hastened his- death. The Robert Burns Chapter haslostthree of its past principals within the last twelve months—viz., Comp. Moore, whowas murdered a short time since , Comp. Charker , and Comp. Fox-. ¦ ' '¦

BR. ANSLOW .—We have to announce j vvi th sineere regret, the death of Br. ThomasAnslow, Jun., the immediate P. M!. of the Lodge of Faitli , which took place at hisresidence , Webber-street , Lr.mbetli, on the 11th June. Br; Anslow , who was about33 years of age , was initiated -in the Lod ge of Faith on the 25th of October 1849, andinstalled W.M. in October 1853. The deceased Br. was.high ly, respected by thebrethren , and his loss will be much felt in tli e Lodge ;

Bit. Rom-.—On the 9th of this month died Br. John Henry Roby,. R. A., Knigh tTemplar, Member of the 30th Degree, _&c., aged 29. This announcement will-be readwith deep regret by all who knew this estimable Brother ; who possessed all thosenoble qualities that constitute the true Mason amongst his- 'brethren , the kind and fastfriend , the loving husband and-excellent-parent in private, and the thoroug h Englishgentleman in public life. . . - .

BH . MOOUK .—It is our painful duty to record the sudden death of Br. Dr. JosephMoore , which took place at his residence , Roshervillej Kent. By the death. "ofDr. Moore the Masonic body hav e lost an active and zealous brother ; he was formany years a member of the Lodge of Anti quity, and was made a Grand Officer by thelate M. W. G- M., His Royal Highness the Duke ofSussexi BrotherDr. Moor e held theoffice of Physician for many years to the girls ' school , and took a lively interest in allthe proceedings and arrangements. His death will cause a vacancy, and we trust theappointment may be filled up by a brother as much respected ancl beloved.

TO CORRESPONDENTS .

. To Oun READERS ,—Our country friends will continue to receive their copies, of the" Masonic Mirror," through the post, for Id. as- heretofore, though we have ceased tostamp any portion of our impression—the new law requiring: us to make such altera-tions in our appearance, if we avail ourselves of the power of stamping, which we.deem to be inexpedient. The number will, however, pass freely through the post bvthe affixing of a penny stamp, and the alteration of the law will, when deemed ; expe-dient, enable us materially to enlarge our size without additional cost to our readers.Indeed we this day so far avail ourselves of the privilege as to give 60 pa°-es ofmatter instead of the 48 to- which we are pledged. This has been rendered necessaryby an unexpected pressure of interesting matter,: and: a desire not again to disappointour readers by the adjournment of the publication of a portion of our continuousarticles, notwithstanding the High Degrees at Bristol, and several valuable letters, areagain postponed. In presenting this mass of matter to our readers we may fairly claimthat it exceeds, in extent, any publication ever offered to the Masonic body, even at dou-ble the price. We are aware that we shall, by the new arrangement, bo placed in somelittle difficult y with our Colonial Readers/inasmuch as the new- tariff of book postage doesnot apply to places beyond the seas. For. the present, however; we:shall continue tosupply those friends whose subscriptions we have received in the usual manner , webearing the loss that the extra postage will inflict upon us;: and for the future wo shall,for the accommodation of the colonies, also issue our "Mirror" in quarterly parts,hy which three numbers will pass through-the colonial book post for. one postage.

A Mara OF NO. 122 is quiteat liberty to decline taking in the " Masonic Mirror ," ifhe thinks f it. Wt are not personall y present at every meeting of the Stonehoust Lodeebut tee have every reason to believe that our notices are correct.The W.M. of No. 224 is thanked fo r the kind notice he has been p leased to take of ourlabours. We deem hit having a portion of the contents of the " Mirror" read in openif r i r aLaJ "sh comP lin> ent—""n tltough he did so for the purposes of abuse. TheWM. o/224 may rest assured that no threats of the withdrawal of patronage fr om theMirror mil deter us from expressing our tpinions honestly and fearlessly. We shal lbe much pleased if a few more W.M.'s will do us the honour of bringing the " Mirror"under the notice of the members of their respective Lodges.

R, D., MADRA S.—The paper alluded to never came to hand.J. C, WANDSWORTH.— Communicate with the editor of the " Masonic Mirror," givin g

your name and address , that he may write to vou on the subiee.t nri.n„tel« . "T. S. OPENSHAW.—27ie " Masonic Mirrors" are so packed as to be impossible to comeundone tn the rest Office , excepting by gross negligence.We agree with EMe that it would be very desirable that a copy of every summons to aLodge meeting should be forwarded to the G. Sec. in London , or the G.S. of theProvince in which the Lodge meets, as thereby many irregularitie s would be checked ,whilst the expense (merely the postage) would be too trivial to be worth notice.B.L.—Ihe letter shall be publish ed in full in the next number of the " Mirror"; the Lodgenever had a better W.M. The time will come when every officer mast be examined beforehe is duly appointed by the W.M.NORWICH.— The Grand Chaplain may be asked , but we doubt his authority.SCOTLAND.—The Lodge meets on a Tuesday. See our observations and the corresp ondedrelative to the Mark Masons m the present number of the " Mirror "General Cooke was introduced formally to the Grand Lodge, but we believe there was asad misunderstanding with reference to the transaction . We shall g ive the informationmore full y m our next "Mirror." Our American letter did not arrive in time for theinvestigation. JBr. Adlard is employed to clothe the children in the Boys' School-we believe, by contra ctihe presen t Lord Mayor is a Mason. He has not yet invited ihe Grand Lodge to amientertainment. ° •>The Deputy Grand Master , Lord Yarboroug h, offered to preside at a specia l fe stival inaid of the Building Fund for the Boys' School, which he said reflected much on theCrafi, as having been delayed so long. We refer our correspondent to the account wegave m the " Mirror, of the festival ; where he will f ind the information he asks f or.Ivwicn.-The inquirers of the Companion should be referred to the Grand Secretary 'soffice ; addres s the letter to Br. W. White or Br. William F amfield , but such infoma-turn, like that from the star-c hambers of yore, will, we fear , not be obtained.

' .f n UzsrzRAXvuK.-AU will be right; the auditorsare responsible , and theirexcellent brethren are beyond the reach of such observation.P. M., DURHAM , will see that we have alluded to ihe circumstan ce in another p age Itis no use asking the G. Sec. when ihe minutes of quarterl y communications will be p ub-hshed , they being now only f ive quarters behind-hand. Ask some London brother to p utthe question in Cx. Lodge. ?AN ADMINISTRATIVE REroRMM.-IFe do not wonder at the delays in obtaining answersfrom the Grand Secretary 's office. What can be expected f r om an office where thlpnncipal-the G. Sec. of Englund-rarely appears before four o'clock in the afternoonand sometimes not at all. >j 'zinvv n ,Br. Crawley, who is well known for the kind assistance he affords at Lodges of Instructwn, will take a benef it at the Soho Theatre , on the 16th.The so-called Bon Accord Lodge of Mark Masons held a meeting on Wednesday last , whenLord Leigh was installed into the chair , and eight companions initiated. We have re.eeivedareport of tlw p roceedings, but the Lodge having been proved lo be illegal wemust decline to publisli it. ""=6ui , wuWe do not approve of booksellers becoming chapmen for bad ges and jewels . Even, " cobblershould stick toh s own last ," and let others enjoy their fair shar e of business.Freemason s Hull , adjoming the Queen's Hotel, Liverpool , has been converted into a Casino.ERRATA .-Jn Br. Gay lor 's letter , printed in last month' s "Mirror ," in line 12, 1845"fxneded " At tX V'Zf b°T>°i ^'S02' themk ^^^nUteexpeded. At page 403, line 14,for protected , read "practised ," and at line 22,for f irmly, read "formerl y." At line 14 from the bottom, in page 370, the name ofBr. Pin ton Cooper is printed Preston Cooper. Luckily, Br. Cooper Is too well known tomake this error of any material consequence.